The report issued by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) has raised some discussions over the potential and benefits that New Hampshire has in offshore wind.
The NWF says in the report that, eventually, offshore wind could provide four-fifths of the state’s power supply, but spokesman from Public Service of New Hampshire(PSNH) does not think this is actually possible.
According to PSNH’s Martin Murray, quoted by New Hampshire Business Review, to develop 3.4 GW of wind power would require over 1,000 offshore wind turbines. Being the state with the smallest coastline, Mr. Murray says that it is “highly unlikely” for a project of this size to realize.
“But there is certainly the potential for wind power as part of a diverse comprehensive policy,” Mr. Murray added.
However, NWF’s spokeswoman Johanna Neumann responded to this by saying: “Do you listen to the utility that has a vested interest in fossil fuel?” referring PSNH’s coal plant in Bow.
And as for the turbines, she added that the next generation would produce more power, because they would be taller, faster and with advanced technology.
[mappress]
Offshore WIND staff, September 14, 2012; Image: Alpha Ventus