Words: , Chief Executive Officer at Tekmar
It is an exciting time to be working in the renewables industry. To be operating at the forefront of a rapidly developing sector is providing opportunities to shape and secure the energy supply for years to come, ensuring the lights remain on for us and generations to come.
Developers are focused on finding the most economical and sustainable ways to generate energy and, although this is a relatively young industry, the rate of progress has been remarkable particularly in offshore wind.
The offshore wind industry’s burgeoning success throughout Europe and into Asia is now being recognised in the US where the country could be set to take advantage of the enormous potential that lies in sustainable energy.
Progress being made at Cape Wind – the first US offshore wind development – in many ways marks the launch of an important new industry within the country and the development of a corresponding supply chain. Once completed, the 130-turbine wind farm will be capable of generating 468 megawatts and produce enough electricity to supply 75% of the electricity used on Cape Cod and the Islands – all with zero emissions.
We are proud to be part of this effort and with other projects in Rhode Island, New Jersey and Virginia moving forward, the time certainly appears to be right to look to the possibilities available within the US. Other states such as New York and Maryland are progressing with activities such as seabed leasing and project planning. Until now, the West Coast had not been able to develop offshore wind due to a lack of shallow water however this is now less of an issue and in May, a floating wind turbine project was awarded off the coast of Oregon.
