Wind Energy

Offshore Wind Energy: Virginia

Wind turbines manufacturer Gamesa and shipbuilder Northrop Grumman officially launched the Offshore Wind Power Technology Center in Chesapeake, Va., last week with the aim of developing a new 5-MW offshore wind turbine design. The companies said their goal is to combine Gamesa’s multi-megawatt wind turbines experience with Northrop Grumman’s knowledge of the relatively harsh operating environment at sea.

The Center currently is staffed by a team of nearly 50 engineers who will be responsible for designing and testing two prototype wind turbines.

AWEA Chief Operating Officer Britt Theismann was on hand for the launch event, commenting: "Offshore wind power development is the next big thing for the American Wind energy industry, and this center is a major milestone in our progress to harness these vast resources to power our economy and put people to work. Through this new center, Gamesa and Northrop Grumman are creating a new and revolutionary addition to the wind energy supply chain, right here in America. This facility is another example of the many jobs and economic benefits the wind industry is bringing to this country. Wind power is clean, affordable and homegrown."

By Tom Gray, www.aweablog.org/