Researchers: Va. ready to lead in wind power
Jul 14 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Julian Walker The
Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, Va.
Virginia and other mid-Atlantic states are positioned to lead an effort
to establish an offshore wind technology demonstration program and test
center, researchers argue in a new analysis to the federal government.
In it, wind power advocates explain why Hampton Roads is suited to
foster the fledgling industry.
The U.S. Department of Energy put out a call for information, due today,
as it ramps up plans to develop renewable energy, a stated goal of the
Obama administration.
Although federal funding isn't guaranteed, proponents of wind energy
development in Virginia hope it will flow soon -- they anticipate an
increased appropriation for a federal wind program in 2011 based on a
published budget request.
"This is just the beginning," said George Hagerman, a Virginia
Tech researcher who directs the Virginia Coastal Energy Research
Consortium offshore wind development program. He's one of the authors of
Virginia's statement. "I hope we're doing something that will get us out
of the paper world," he said.
There are, however, barriers to making the transition envisioned by wind
supporters.
The turbines that harvest offshore winds in Europe aren't customized for
America's environmental conditions such as its wind gusts and water
currents.
And while Europe has winter nor'easters, it doesn't have the tropical
storms that stir up powerful winds in sections of the mid-Atlantic each
summer and fall.
Both factors mean machinery built to local specifications may be needed
to capture American coastal winds.
Other challenges highlighted in the Virginia report are compatibility
with military operations, bird flight patterns and the difficulties of
offshore installation.
The report stresses the need for an offshore wind test center and lists
three possible locations in the region that could accommodate the
equipment: the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel, the Chesapeake
Bay Bridge-Tunnel and the Chesapeake Light Tower.
Such a project would cost an estimated $60 million to $80 million over
five years; the report suggests the federal government could cover a
third to a half of the amount.
The potential of offshore wind to produce thousands of high-paying jobs
in an industry that not only generates energy, but also millions in tax
revenue, is eye-popping. By one government estimate, as much as 20
percent of the nation's energy could come from wind power by 2030.
But the up-front costs are steep.
Estimates place the cost of a turbine manufacturing plant in Hampton
Roads at $500 million, according to a study by Hagerman's consortium.
That amount quadruples to $2 billion for a 600-megawatt project.
That's going to require financial contributions from the state or
federal governments, or both, said Mary Doswell, senior vice president
for alternative energy solutions at Dominion Virginia Power. "I don't
think you can put it on the back of one utility... or its customers."
A Virginia wind farm likely would need to be located in federal waters,
at least 12 miles offshore, not state waters, which end three nautical
miles offshore. Much of the area closer in is unsuitable for turbines
because of conflicts with military operations and intrusions on wildlife
and aquatic habitats and spawning grounds, according to the Virginia
Marine Resources Commission.
Despite such challenges, the report says, Virginia is uniquely
positioned to capitalize on the momentum behind the offshore wind
movement.
In addition to the research consortium, the state boasts an offshore
wind coalition made of public, private and environmental partners and a
new Offshore Wind Development Authority established by the state
legislature.
Meanwhile, Virginia and several other states have joined the Atlantic
Offshore Wind Energy Consortium organized by U.S. Interior Secretary Ken
Salazar. Virginia will be home to a regional renewable energy office,
federal officials announced last month.
Gov. Bob McDonnell's administration has blessed the new analysis and
says it is committed to wind as a component of a broader energy strategy
that includes traditional power sources, green alternatives and offshore
drilling.
Julian Walker, (804) 697-1564,
julian.walker@pilotonline.com
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