Offshore wind energy is an innovative approach to addressing climate change and the global energy crisis. Although many projects have begun, there are currently no offshore operational projects in the United States. Through the case study of the failed Cape Wind project, we can better understand the importance of integrating aspects of land use planning, environmental impact assessments, and historical and human considerations when designing a project like an offshore wind plant. Furthermore, through investigating the design process for a new and large offshore wind farm—such as the Bay State Wind project—the essential considerations and complexities behind developing and siting a wind farm off the coast of Massachusetts (MA) can be revealed.
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This 25-square-mile power plant could provide 75 percent of the required electricity for the surrounding islands (Machell). CWA secured a lease for 46 square miles in the Sound, quoting reduced greenhouse emissions, job creation, and greater energy independence. Furthermore, they said, the forecasted 468 MW of energy from Cape Wind would reduce pricing volatility, increase electricity reliability during peak demand, and enable MA to maintain its clean energy leadership (“Project Benefits”). It is essential that planners conduct extensive background research on the history of the site, coordinate with local communities, and secure reliable partners to execute the project, as seen in this …show more content…
Save Our Sound is dedicated to the long-term preservation of the “historic” Nantucket sound as a “protected marine environment” (“Save Our Sound”). They argued Cape Wind was “not responsibly sited,” not cost effective, and without community support (Machell). In addition to risking adverse impacts on marine organisms, fish, and birds, they feared that the electrical service platform presented an oil spill risk. Native American tribes—Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head and Mashpee Wampanoag—claimed Cape Wind would impact their religious practices by obstructing their view of the sun as it rose over Nantucket Sound (Machell, Rule, 139). The National Park Service listed the Sound as “traditional cultural property and as an historic and archeological property,” (Rule, 139). Furthermore, Cape Wind opposition had support of billionaires who protested over aesthetic concerns. The termination of Cape Wind contracts with National Grid and Eversource, after project managers failed to meet “major contractual milestones,” ultimately crippled the $2.6 billion project,” (Machell). Due to the cited social, environmental, and cultural impacts on Nantucket Sound by its opponents, the alliance of locals and organizations, and financial instability, the renewal of CWA’s permits was denied and the project was halted in January
This 25-square-mile power plant could provide 75 percent of the required electricity for the surrounding islands (Machell). CWA secured a lease for 46 square miles in the Sound, quoting reduced greenhouse emissions, job creation, and greater energy independence. Furthermore, they said, the forecasted 468 MW of energy from Cape Wind would reduce pricing volatility, increase electricity reliability during peak demand, and enable MA to maintain its clean energy leadership (“Project Benefits”). It is essential that planners conduct extensive background research on the history of the site, coordinate with local communities, and secure reliable partners to execute the project, as seen in this …show more content…
Save Our Sound is dedicated to the long-term preservation of the “historic” Nantucket sound as a “protected marine environment” (“Save Our Sound”). They argued Cape Wind was “not responsibly sited,” not cost effective, and without community support (Machell). In addition to risking adverse impacts on marine organisms, fish, and birds, they feared that the electrical service platform presented an oil spill risk. Native American tribes—Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head and Mashpee Wampanoag—claimed Cape Wind would impact their religious practices by obstructing their view of the sun as it rose over Nantucket Sound (Machell, Rule, 139). The National Park Service listed the Sound as “traditional cultural property and as an historic and archeological property,” (Rule, 139). Furthermore, Cape Wind opposition had support of billionaires who protested over aesthetic concerns. The termination of Cape Wind contracts with National Grid and Eversource, after project managers failed to meet “major contractual milestones,” ultimately crippled the $2.6 billion project,” (Machell). Due to the cited social, environmental, and cultural impacts on Nantucket Sound by its opponents, the alliance of locals and organizations, and financial instability, the renewal of CWA’s permits was denied and the project was halted in January