Offshore Wind Turbines in America

Introduction

• Offshore wind turbines are being introduced in America for the first time.
• The project is located off Block Island, Rhode Island, using technology adapted from land-based wind farms.

Deepwater Wind's Project

• CEO: Jeff Grabowski.
• Equipment lifted 450 feet up—29 tons per blade, each 241 feet long.
• Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo supports the initiative for cleaner and potentially cheaper energy.

Comparison with Europe

• Europe has over 3,000 offshore turbines, supplying power to 7 million homes.
• Denmark generates 40% of its electricity from wind and aims for 50%.
• US wind power currently constitutes 5% of electricity generation.

Challenges and Opposition

• Legal challenges, permitting, and aesthetic concerns about windmills being eyesores.
• Block Island residents express mixed feelings about the visual impact.

Financial Aspects

• $300 million project funded by private investment and federal tax credit.
• Uncertainty over energy costs for ratepayers; National Grid's rates will increase by 3.5% annually for 20 years.
• Critics like Al Labrano are concerned about rising electricity bills.

Existing Electricity Costs on Block Island

• High electricity rates due to reliance on fuel oil and an old diesel plant.
• New wind project promises stable energy costs without fluctuation.

Strategic Decision and Future Prospects

• Deepwater Wind began with a small demonstration project of 30 MW from five turbines.
• Future plans to expand to utility-scale projects.
• Massachusetts and California are exploring offshore wind developments.

Floating Turbines and Cost

• Trident Winds proposes floating turbines in deeper Pacific waters.
• Floating turbines are cost-competitive with traditional power plants.

Industry Implications

• Block Island project seen as a stimulus for offshore wind in the US.
• Expectation that costs will decrease with more offshore projects.

Conclusion

• Offshore wind power is crucial for meeting renewable energy targets.
• Skepticism exists about costs and visual impact, but progress is seen as necessary and inevitable.