Is America About to Embrace Wind Energy?

There’s no doubt about it, wind energy is becoming more and more of a realistic alternative to constantly burning away fossil fuels. Aside from the damaging emissions, there is an ever decreasing amount of fossil fuels available, and it’s only a matter of time until we run out. But is America – a big chunk of the world’s energy demand – about to embrace wind energy?

"Government of the people"

With the latest research suggesting a majority of the American public support clean energy, there is an odd contrast in the states. Their president is a vocal denier of climate change, while the public want to make steps towards tackling it. And it seems like New York are leaning towards the latter.

Andrew Cuomo, New York governor, has given the go ahead to build the biggest offshore wind farm in the US. With a planned location off the coast of Long Island, the wind farm is expected to generate 2.4 gigawatts of energy for the city by 2030. To put that in perspective, it’s enough power to light approximately 1.25 million homes.

Creating energy and jobs

The plans, which have been approved both by governors and the Long Island Power Authority, are expected to provide an economical boost as well as supplying energy. “This project will not only provide a new, reliable source of clean energy, but will also create high-paying jobs, continue our efforts to combat climate change and help preserve our environment for current and future generations of New Yorkers,” said Governor Cuomo in a statement.

As for when, the project is expected to begin within the tenure of Donald Trump. Deepwater Wind – the project operator – have indicated a possible start date in 2019. If this is the case, they expect it to be completed as soon as 2022.

Energy at sea

Those concerned by the visual impact of wind turbines will be pleased to hear that they won’t be visible from Long Island’s coast. Despite being 600 feet tall, they will be situated over 30 miles off the coast, eliminating one of the main objections to projects of this kind.

Of course, this isn’t the only development at sea. There are a number of challenges facing the world’s seas – like energy, food security and climate change – that require extensive research and combative solutions. ‘Making Waves’ discusses the development of a new marine science centre, which aims to tackle these problems.