Wind Energy

Cape Wind power gets the green light from Secretary Salazar By Chris Madison

AWEA CEO Denise Bode noted, “Such forward-thinking decisions are necessary for the U.S. to realize the many environmental and economic benefits of offshore wind. The U.S. offshore wind industry will build on the success and the lessons learned from the nearly twenty years of experience in Europe to provide clean, pollution-free, electricity along the coasts and in the Great Lakes.”

Salazar’s decision was not only good energy policy, it was gutsy politics, and signals a willingness by the federal government to take a stand for renewable energy in the face of a decade of local opposition, including from friendly Democrats in the family of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy.

The decision also shows the European wind industry, which has already embraced offshore wind, that the United States is in the game, in what could be a manufacturing, transportation and construction services boon all along the East Coast.

As Secretary Salazar said himself this past January, there is a bright future for offshore wind in this country.

There is also a bright future for wind energy in general, Bode said. “Our recent polling shows that wind works for America – it means new manufacturing jobs and more pure, clean, affordable energy for our country. We need comprehensive legislation now with a national Renewable Electricity Standard that will create a long-term market for the onshore and offshore wind industries.”

More details about Cape Wind and other offshore projects will be highlighted.In October, when AWEA hosts an offshore wind conference and exhibition in Atlantic City N.J.

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Why Attend the AWEA North American Offshore Wind 2010 Conference & Exhibition?

The federal government’s recent green light for the Cape Wind project after a decade of review means a huge boost for the North American offshore wind industry. Government agencies will begin speeding up their permit process, and companies will start making plans to provide what is needed both onshore and offshore. And Cape Wind is just the beginning. Overall, the coastal waters and Great Lakes of North America hold tremendous potential for offshore wind power development. Offshore wind farm projects are well established in Europe, with nearly 20 years of industry experience, and stakeholders are ready as the the industry finally makes the jump across the Pond. AWEA has teamed up with CanWEA to bring you a conference and exhibition that will help drive this industry forward.

The AWEA North American Offshore Wind Conference & Exhibition brings together exhibitors and attendees from all over world, who are interested in becoming players in this new and highly promising market. Don’t miss the boat…see you in Atlantic City!

www.offshorewindexpo.org/index.cfm

By Chris Madison, AWEA, www.awea.org/blog/