SPAIN LOOKS AT OCEAN WIND IN VIRGINIA

Va. OKs study of wind turbines in Chesapeake Bay
Scott Harper, March 30, 2011 (Newport News via Virginian-Pilot)

"…[Virginia] regulators have approved scientific surveys for a test project that aims to build one of the first offshore wind turbines in the United States, in waters at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.

"The Virginia Marine Resources Commission voted unanimously…to allow scientists working for Gamesa Energy USA LLC to determine if conditions are ripe for construction of a single, prototype windmill that would generate as much as 5 megawatts of electricity in waters about 3 miles west of Cape Charles on the Eastern Shore…[The] turbine would become a landmark and gateway to the Chesapeake Bay, visible…to arriving ships and boats and to motorists crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel…"

Look at that winds wealth off Virginia's coast! (click to enlarge)

"Gamesa is a Spanish wind-turbine company that recently opened offices in Chesapeake in partnership with Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding. As part of their Virginia experiments, the partners also want to set a windmill on land, at Cape Charles Harbor, as a way to test the viability of their products…

"Before that can happen, though, scientists will sample bottom materials, study wave patterns and currents, analyze migratory bird populations, and make small borings in a 1.2-square-mile research zone off Cape Charles. The field work is expected to begin next month…If the site proves suitable, a large, spinning turbine could be erected in the Bay and be operational by next summer…The company also would run a transmission line from the turbine to Cape Charles…"

click to enlarge

"Gamesa shifted its plans slightly to appease concerns from the Virginia Pilot Association and the Virginia Maritime Association, organizations that represent shipping interests. Ships often use the study area for protection against storms or to anchor while waiting to call on the ports…An artificial fishing reef also is located near the work site and is frequented by fishermen…[but they] did not oppose the project…The commission's green light…was a small but symbolic first step…

"…State energy giant Dominion Virginia Power has said it might be interested in investing in an offshore wind farm, and Gov. Bob McDonnell has championed the Virginia coastline as a way to create jobs and produce clean, renewable energy. The Navy, too, has expressed an interest in tying into electricity generated from offshore wind…There are no operational, offshore windmills in the United States today, though there are plenty in Europe…"