 |
| Nantucket Sound is Where the Farm Will Be Located |
A First to US
Offshore Wind Farms
What do you think?
04/18/13
Blog by Brett Kelly of ENVR 249
In Reference to the article
http://singularityhub.com/2013/04/15/americas-first-offshore-wind-farm-closer-to-reality-after-receiving-2-billion-from-japanese-bank/
Construction is beginning within the year on the US's first offshore wind farm. Thanks to two billion dollars from the bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi in Japan. Cape Wind, as it is to be called, has spun up a bit of controversy between advocates of offshore wind and the those who have managed to be successful in maintaining windmill free seas in the past. This time it is different. Offshore wind advocates blew opponents out of the water with the help of the Japanese Bank. Hailing from the Boston area, Energy Management Incorporated will take the role of developer while Tokyo-Mitsubishi takes the role of Coordinating Lead Arranger. The turbines will be installed in the Nantucket Sound, a 30 mile by 25 mile stretch of ocean off of Massachusetts. The turbines will be installed at least 5 miles from residences to reduce the possibility that the turbines will turn out to be a nuisance to anyone.
 | |
| Megawatts (MW) are used to measure wind power. |
It is interesting to see the offshore wind farming thing now making headway in the U.S. Especially when considering that many of the other developed nations are far along in this respect. Why is the U.S. behind in offshore wind farming? Is this a bad thing? What kinds of factors do you think should be taken into consideration? Obviously people become polarized on issues for a reason. And the most polarized of the polar get the media's attention, and consequently more influence as well. Should this be a big issue? It obviously gives people from all perspectives opportunities to declare what they believe.
I have no idea what it would be like to have my view obstructed by windmills far in the distance at sunset. Or how I would feel about it being in that situation. I don't think I would care that much. I think windmills look cool.
Any other perspectives on the aesthetic of windmills?
"I hate the idea of having them around where I live."
"Harnessing wind is worthwhile... right?"
"I accept it as something that just is, rather than something in which I have a stake."
"I must push wind power, so other people will know the truth and then pass it on."
"As part of the green movement, offshore wind power is part of a conspiracy to mobilize socialist and communist political forces."
"My side of the issue is so important that I will isolate myself from others."
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VcBB73eF7RY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
I can see both sides of the argument, but I think that it's awesome that there are people out there who want to invest in alternative energies. It's refreshing to see that not all the money in being kept in the fossil fuel sector
ReplyDeleteI agree in the fact that windmills look cool. It does make me wonder why the U.S. is so far behind other countries when we are supposed to be an advanced nation. Just makes you think where all of our money goes?
ReplyDelete