Eastern Shore Virginia Get First Turbine Testing Facility

Representative Scott Rigell

Rigell Applauds Governor McDonnell's Efforts to Bring First U.S. Wind Turbine Test Facility to Virginia's Eastern Shore

Washington, Oct 13 - Collaborative project first of its kind

Washington, DC, October 13 – Representative Scott Rigell (VA-2) commended Governor Bob McDonnell on the announcement of a project to establish a facility for the testing and certification of large offshore and land-based electricity-producing wind turbines on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. The collaborative project, called Poseidon Atlantic, would be the first such test facility in existence, and the initial phase of the project is to be developed in Northampton County.

“I’m thrilled that this project is going forward for the Commonwealth, the country, and particularly for the Eastern Shore of Virginia,” said Rigell, who represents the Eastern Shore, Virginia Beach, and parts of Hampton and Norfolk. “As a nation, we must achieve energy independence, and wind energy technology carries with it extreme potential to address the energy challenges our great country faces today.

“Here in Virginia’s Second Congressional District, we’ve known for some time about the incredible opportunities – and jobs! – that wind energy can create. We are so excited to have this forward-looking project find a home in our district.”

Beyond creating jobs directly on the Eastern Shore, the development of the commercial wind turbine test center in coastal Virginia would capitalize on the unique maritime advantages provided by the Port of Virginia. Hampton Roads is well-positioned to provide marine construction, fabrication and supply-chain support to the offshore wind industry.


The Poseidon Atlantic project is a private-sector initiative developed by the companies Real NewEnergy, Fugro and Ecofys, with the support of the Commonwealth, the Virginia Port Authority (VPA) and the Netherlands government. The proposed facility is intended for full-service testing and certification of existing-and-next generation land-based and offshore wind turbine generators.

Source;  http://rigell.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=264158

Crisfield City Officials Begin Comparing Wind Turbine Proposals

CRISFIELD -- City officials plan to begin studying proposals from six companies hoping to install wind turbines at the city's sewage treatment plant where electricity bills are running about $20,000 a month.

The comparisons could take awhile, because "it won't be apples to apples," Mayor Percy Purnell said at this week's City Council meeting.

Bidders were asked for proposals that included more than just the cost of a turbine.

"It could take a month of study," he said.

Bids opened during the council meeting ranged from $4.7 million for a 1.5- megawatt turbine to $1.1 million for a 750-kilowatt model.

The city wants to build two or three large wind turbines -- about 300 feet tall -- on land next to the sewer plant to generate power for the plant.

Additional electricity would power other city-owned buildings, such as City Hall, the police station and fire department, and also be sold back to the grid.

Officials are hoping to hear soon if a $4.18 million grant application to the Maryland Department of the Environment has been approved.

If the money is awarded, the city also will need to borrow $625,300 toward the project, according to Noah Bradshaw, the city inspector who is spearheading the project.

For several months, wind speeds in Crisfield were measured with an anemometer atop a city water tower. The 18- to 19-miles-per-hour average that was captured is enough to sustain a wind farm, he said.

Bradshaw -- who has attended seminars at the American Wind Institute -- is also in the process of trying to start a smaller wind turbine project at the American Legion post in Crisfield.

Aside from the environmental benefits, wind power is expected to take a huge burden off the budget. After the city upgraded its sewage treatment plant, electricity bills jumped from about $13,000 per month to $20,000.

City officials have said they want to take the savings and put the money into street paving and other projects.

www.delmarvanow.com

Wind Farms Will Not Interfere with NASA or the Navy

A new report says a wind farm off the coast of Virginia Beach wouldn't affect Navy or NASA operations in the area.

The report by the Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium also says a 600-megawatt offshore wind farm could supply 10 percent of the commonwealth's electricity needs.

Researchers identified 25 potential lease spots for turbines in an area 12 miles off Virginia Beach's coast.

State Sen. Frank Wagner says at least three companies have expressed interest in developing wind farms.

Proponents say Virginia's coastal area has ideal winds to turn the massive blades of offshore turbines.

www.shoredailynews.com

NASA Wants To Install Wind Turbines

A public meeting on the proposal is scheduled April 1 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Wallops Island Flight Facility's Visitor Center. April 5 is the deadline to submit comments.

NASA says the wind turbines would generate about a third of the flight facility's electricity. The goal is reduce the facility's utility costs and meet federal energy management requirements.

Two 2-megawatt utility-scale turbines and up to five 2.4-kilowatt residential scale turbine would be installed.

NASA says it studied several renewable energy sources, including solar and geothermal. Wind turbines are the preferred alternative.

More Information Wallops Island draft Energy Assessment


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