Public Forum to Address Offshore Wind in R.I.

Public Forum to Address Offshore Wind in R.I.

By FRANK CARINI/ecoRI News staff

KINGSTON — Is offshore wind the future of Rhode Island’s energy needs? A study commissioned by then-Gov. Donald Carcieri about four years ago determined that offshore wind farms could supply at least 15 percent of the Ocean State’s electricity needs, and that 10 specific areas were suitable for consideration.

Since that study was released, the state’s Ocean Special Area Management Plan (SAMP) has been created. This lengthy document is the local source for ecological information, is a mosaic of public preferences and features a cutting-edge study of the effects of climate change on ocean waters. The SAMP, however, is likely to be remembered as something more specific: the document that likely brings offshore wind energy to Rhode Island.

This ongoing public dialogue continues Thursday, Sept. 8, at the University of Rhode Island during a Rhode Island Foundation-sponsored community forum designed to further the state's offshore wind discussion.

The state Economic Development Corporation (EDC) sponsored a similar event in November that featured offshore wind developers, turbine and cable companies, unions, economic planners and coastal managers, who hashed out a vision for making the region a nucleus for the up-and-coming “green” industry. Participants talked specifically about the attributes that put Rhode Island and Massachusetts at the forefront of the nation’s offshore wind industry.

In fact, just last month, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) took the initial steps to develop commercial wind energy off the coasts Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The DOI has invited developers to identify locations within an offshore area in which they seek commercial leases for developing wind projects.

Deepwater Wind, the Providence-based company slated to erect eight turbines south of Block Island, and Neptune Wind, a Massachusetts-based company, have submitted plans.

The DOI also is seeking public comment on environmental issues and reasonable alternatives related to the proposed leasing, site characterization and assessment activities in the offshore area under consideration. The public commenting period ends Oct. 3.

Last month’s announcement was the latest step in the DOI’s “Smart from the Start” offshore wind initiative to facilitate renewable energy development offshore. The federal program aims to facilitate siting, the leasing and construction of new projects, and the responsible development of this renewable energy resource.

Four wind energy areas offshore of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia were identified in February, and DOI expects to begin the commercial leasing process in those states as early as next year.

"The Future of Offshore Wind Energy in Rhode Island" is the title of Thursday's free public discussion, to be held from 5:30-7 p.m. at URI’s Lippitt Hall. The forum will be moderated by Rhode Island Public Radio news director Catherine Welch, and will feature Carcieri; Jonathan Stone, executive director of Save The Bay; Grover Fugate, executive director of the Coastal Resources Management Council; Jeffrey Grybowski, senior vice president for strategy and external affairs for Deepwater Wind; Doug Hales, assistant professor at the URI College of Business Administration; and Jennifer McCann, director of extension programs for the Rhode Island Sea Grant College Program at URI.

The forum will engage experts and community leaders in a discussion about the impact of offshore wind energy on Rhode Island’s economy, energy rates and the environment. The forum also will be broadcast live on Block Island for residents at the Block Island School. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask panelists questions via a two-way video feed.

Rhode Island Public Radio will broadcast the forum Saturday, Sept. 10, at 1 p.m. on 1290-AM and 102.7-FM.

“Rhode Island stands ready to fuel tomorrow’s energy economy by building turbines for offshore wind farms, creating good-paying jobs in a new manufacturing industry here,” said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., a cosponsor of the Offshore Wind Power Act.

Gov. Lincoln Chafee has said, “Rhode Island is well suited to become a national leader in wind energy.”

The conversation continues Thursday.