NNN sponsors
To become an
NNN sponsor,
contact us.
An Interview with Erich Stephens Forecast: Strong winds ahead for Rhode Island by D.J. Johnson
Erich: I am one of four project managers with a company called Bluewater Wind. A successful wind-farm development company called Arcadia Wind formed Bluewater expressly for the purpose of developing offshore wind energy projects. We'll be focusing on projects on the Northeast coast.
NNN: I understand that you are presently working on a project in Delaware. What's involved in that effort?
Erich: We're looking at possible projects in Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island. Something is always going on with one of them, keeping the pot simmering. But at the moment, yes, the focus is Delaware.
NNN: When do you think RI will start cooking?
Erich: Well, the carrots are already being diced. The RI Office of Energy Resources has hired a consulting team to look at how to achieve the Governor's goal of 15 percent of the state's energy coming from wind turbines located here in RI. It's pretty clear already that meeting this goal will require a combination of land-based as well as offshore wind projects. We're looking forward to seeing the state's report, and meanwhile doing our own studies as well.
NNN: Will your company be involved with any land-based projects?
Erich: No, I doubt it. Bluewater's owners are now very focused on offshore. But there are a number of land-based projects under development in RI, so I'm sure we'll see more of those before we see an offshore project.
NNN: What challenges do you think you'll be facing in Rhode Island? Oil price drops? NIMBY?
Erich: My gut feeling, from talking to Rhode Islanders over the last six-plus years about energy issues and the environment, is that there won't be a lot of NIMBYism. Of course, there will be some. But I think the person-on-the-street will be behind offshore wind once they satisfy themselves about the facts. For example, net positive environmental benefits, no disruption to current marine uses, etc.
A challenge in RI will be water depth. Unlike the Cape and Islands area, and the long sandy shores of Long Island and south, RI has pretty deep water relatively near to shore. So that's something we're looking at closely. Clearly, it's feasible, but it's not like some areas where you pretty much have the whole ocean in front of you from which to choose.
The other issue is that New England has few if any credit-worthy buyers of electricity through long-term contracts. These contracts are necessary for getting loans needed to build the project, just like you have to prove to a bank that you have a steady job when you apply for a mortgage. But this isn't a problem unique to offshore wind, and solutions are already being developed.
NNN: So, if you were governor or head of National Grid, how many generators would you like to see out there?
Erich: Well, Governor Carcieri has already said he wants 15 percent of RI's energy to come from wind...that works out to something on the order of 500 megawatts. A typical land-based turbine these days might be 1.5 megawatts, and an offshore turbine about twice that. So the Governor has already laid out plenty of work for people in the wind business... Of course, that's still not catching up with Europe.
NNN: What can NNN readers do to encourage your success?
Erich: Pay attention, and speak their minds. All the polls continue to show that people understand how important renewable energy is, and clearly the General Assembly leadership and the Governor today appreciate that. We need to make sure they remember that in the years ahead...it takes a while to get renewable energy projects built. So we need to make sure our leaders are still supportive even after the press has left and they think people might not care any more. In addition, NNN readers need to talk to their neighbors and friends as well. There's a lot of misinformation out there, and only lots of people who take the time and trouble to become well informed can overcome that.
NNN: Thanks for looking out for us.
Erich: Well, it's a lot of fun.
To learn more: Bluewater Wind
Here is the Rhode Island wind-resource map, as seen by the U.S. Dept. of Energy. Note that wind resources at a micro level can vary significantly, so each proposed site requires individual evaluation.
A penny for your two cents...
Have a comment on this story? Send us an email, and we'll post it.More about wind power in R.I.The NNN archives on this topic include: Energy options for Rhode Island, from May 2006.
A visit to two windmills, September 2006.
|