The first commercial-scale offshore wind installation in the United States is powering roughly 70,000 homes in Long Island, New York.
The South Fork Wind Farm off the coast of Montauk, New York is the nation’s first commercial-scale offshore wind farm and a bright spot in a struggling industry that “offers tangible evidence that wind projects can work,” writes Pippa Stevens for CNBC News.
The project produces enough power for 70,000 homes annually, which it sells to the Long Island Power Authority. “Each turbine is connected to an offshore substation – the first of its kind built in the U.S. – which is connected to the local power grid in East Hampton, New York, via a 65-mile subsea and underground cable.”
The growth of the offshore wind industry has come in fits and starts, with interest rates and an uncertain, specialized supply chain driving up project costs and forcing companies to cancel some projects altogether. Because operators sign long-term contracts with power purchasers long in advance of construction, ballooning costs can make some projects financially unfeasible.
“The U.S. does have 58 gigawatts of capacity under development, according to American Clean Power, but some of those projects won’t come online for years, and there is no guarantee all of them will be built.” However, industry experts are optimistic that the sector is in a period of readjustment and will bounce back as components and skilled labor become more available.
Offshore Wind Zone Proposed for the East Coast
A "priority offshore wind zone" between Long Island and New Jersey could accelerate permits and help the industry gain a foothold in the United States.
US Offshore Wind Industry Gains Momentum
Federal support for offshore wind projects is helping the industry grow, with nine projects approved so far this year.
West Coast Offshore Wind Takes a Step Forward
The federal government announced a lease sale for locations along the California coast approved for offshore wind energy production.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
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A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
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