According to the National Wildlife Federation media report, the Atlantic coast shows much promise in the advancing of offshore wind projects. Besides the proposal of six gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind projects along the coast — the equivalent of about five coal-fired power plants — Florida has a total of 40 GW of wind potential that can be added in the clean energy wave hype as well. Ultimately, the report reveals significant potential for the Atlantic Coast to help in the efforts of offshore wind energy, creating numerous jobs. Just one GW of wind-generated energy would create 800 permanent new jobs in addition to 20,700 direct job-years in manufacturing and installation. The potential job increase and the ability for wind energy to supply power to homes along the coast has government officials buzzing with wind energy plans.
The report continues its announcements by making the following key findings:

* Every state with significant offshore wind resources from Maine to Georgia has taken some steps forward on offshore wind.

* The Atlantic’s shallow water characteristics combined with excellent wind speed make it an ideal location for offshore wind farms.

* While the most extensive European study concluded that offshore wind farms do not appear to have long-term or large-scale ecological impacts, major data gaps for the Atlantic Ocean still exist and site-specific impacts need to be evaluated.

According to Tom Larson, Florida Energy Policy Manager for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy:

“Florida’s offshore wind energy resource can provide clean energy, and green jobs, without the risk of a major catastrophe like an oil spill,” said Larson, “The National Wildlife Federation’s report reinforces the proposition that offshore wind energy is a safe, smart energy choice for our region.”

Curtis Fisher, the Offshore Wind Initiative Leader at the National Wildlife Federation, adds the following:

“984 offshore wind turbines are spinning right now in Europe and not one in the Atlantic. The six gigawatts of proposed Atlantic offshore wind projects are a great start, but we need a coordinated and comprehensive effort of government and the market to bring these and other projects over the finish line in a way that values the precious Atlantic Ocean ecosystem and its fish and wildlife resources. This new industry holds great potential to create jobs, cut pollution, and reduce our reliance on dirty fossil fuels.”

All information was provided by the National Wildlife Federation Report. Picture provided by geteconow.com.