delaware PSC gives 1st go-ahead on nation's 1st off shore wind farm...
While the nation argues with itself over what to do or not to do about issues concerning climate change, pollution and our general stwardship of the planet, Delaware has taken a significant step towards energy independence.
The 1st State to ratify our Constitution has given the go ahead to put up for a vote, with the full PSC commission, a plan to build the nation's first off shore "wind farm" that would produce from 200 to 300 megawatts of power with as many as 100 turbines. The plan also calls for a gas back-up system to be put in place.
Originally, the plan called for a 600 mega watt facility with around 200 turbines. Some claim that the downsizing of the project might not serve it well, but Alan Mueller, executive director of Green Delaware, warned that the project, in scaled down form, may not be as economical as the 1st plan. But he remained optomistic, saying it "seems like a sound recommendation" and called it a "valuable step forward."
Of course, there is more work to do. The proposal is expected to pass Tuesday's vote, but from there, the negotiations will begin. And there is still the issue of whether or not the state can force Delmarva Power to sign the contract of whomever the negotiators decide to go with.
The enviromentally friendly plants would be located off-shore of Rehoboeth and Dewey beaches between 7.5 miles and 12.5 miles from the nearest land.
Critics of course argue expenses associated with construction and start up. Others point out that much of the expense will be curbed by the fact that such expensive proposals, such as a new transmission line thru the state, would be unnecessary and produce off-setting savings.
Some others question the necessity of the plant, claiming that conservation and other minimal measures would ensure Delaware's power needs would be met.
But to me, some of those folks are missing the bigger picture. Delaware is an ideal place to test the efficiency and feasibility of this type of "alternative" energy. It is a relatively small state, so a smaller investment can be made. Incidentally, Bluewater Wind, the company that wants to build the plant off the 1st State's shore, still wants to build it's full version (600 megawatt) plant boldly claiming it can sell offthe power delaware doesn't buy.
But if the experiment is successful, then there will be a blueprint for larger states, like Texas, California, and the entire eastern seaboard to follow. their smallness will allow the mistakes to be at a minimal cost compared to building the plants for larger states.
And if it fails, the cost will be small, in the big picture, compared to what a failed plant might cost a larger state.
And with Delaware's sketchy enviromental record between entities like Tyson and Purdue and their chicken waste and all the stuff DuPont and other chemical companies have subjected the 1st state to, this bold step is a redeeming move. A big step in the right direction, in my view.
Three is much work still ahead, but this move by the 1st State should be applauded in ther efforts thus far.