New Jersey Approves Deep Water Wind Farm: See What Offshore Wind Turbines Look Like at Various Distances

Science & Technology (alternative energy)

Offshore Wind Farm Turbines Distance photo

New Jersey Offshore Wind Farm
New Jersey has approved a new huge offshore wind farm (346 megawatts). The 96 turbines will be installed in a grid pattern between 16 and 20 miles from land. The project, which would be in deeper water than most other offshore wind farms, would cost more than $1 billion and wouldn't start producing electricity until 2013. The state has set itself a goal of 20% renewable energy by 2020.

NIMBY or No Big Deal?
As you can see from the image above, turbines that are between 15 and 20 miles away are very hard to see. This should help with the Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) factor. Read on for more details.

Because the wind blows more reliably during the day farther off shore, the company hopes to get better prices for the power it produces. And by putting the turbines that far offshore, the company hopes to blunt opposition from environmentalists and residents who say that turbines diminish ocean views and damage wildlife.

The company expects the wind farm to produce enough power for them to break even in about 7 years.

What's the Next Step?
Next, Garden State Offshore Energy (the joint venture that wants to build the wind farm) needs to seek permits from state and federal agencies. It also needs commitments from manufacturers to build the turbines, which would be assembled in New Jersey and could potentially create hundreds of new jobs.

Via New York Times Blogs

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