Duke Energy announced yesterday that it is abandoning a project to install several demonstration wind turbines off the North Carolina coast, the Associated Press reported.
The company had planned to develop the three-turbine project in conjunction with the University of North Carolina but ultimately decided the cost was too high and the potential environmental impact was more significant than expected, according to the AP report.
“The cost of the project simply exceeds the benefits our customers would receive if we were to continue,” said Paul Newton, senior vice president of strategy for the Duke Energy’s franchised businesses.
The company and the university are now looking into large scale wind farm development that would be more commercially viable, the AP reported.
Apex Wind Requests Federal Lease Off North Carolina
Apex Wind Energy has applied for a 213 square mile federal lease for an offshore wind development near North Carolina, the Wilmington Star-News reported yesterday.
The project site is projected to be more than 20 miles off the coast although extensive environmental review and permitting remains, according to the paper.
“We’re still at the baby-step stage here,” said John Bane, a professor of marine sciences with the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and an advisor to Apex.
Gov. Signs NJ Offshore Wind Bill
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie yesterday signed into law legislation to promote offshore wind development in the state, the Star-Ledger reported.
“It makes sense for us to go in this direction, not only because it’s good for the environment, but because it’s going to help us create jobs,” the paper quoted Christie as saying.
Environmental leaders agreed with the economic stimulus argument, according to the Star-Ledger.
“While there are no guarantees, those states that are most aggressive in promoting polices that promote alterative energy are the ones that will reap the benefits. … New Jersey is now in the best position of any state to benefit,” said David Pringle of the New Jersey Environmental Federation.
Fri, Aug 20, 2010
Business, Federal, NY / NJ, South