A Tale of Two Wind Projects

While perusing the Boston Globe I was surprised to read that if a proposed wind farm off the Hull, Mass. coast is approved, the town of more than 11,000 could generate all its power through wind. What a remarkable achievement that would be for a community in a world that is just beginning to realize it must break free from its dependence on nonrenewable energy sources.

A more widely known Massachusetts wind proposal is Cape Wind’s goal of erecting 140 turbines in Nantucket Sound, a plan that has garnered strong opposition from people concerned about its impact on tourism, fish and potential damage to the region’s famed beaches.

Below is an excerpt from a Cape Cod Commission meeting last October that highlights some of the debate.



While this debate rages, residents in Hull are living with two turbines, one perched at the terminus of the town’s peninsula in what the Globe calls a “photogenic locale against the backdrop of Boston Harbor and its islands.” Instead of worrying about spoiled views, the town has embraced its windmills, using them as an educational tool for their children.

It even attracts out-of-towners (I visited the location last fall.) and tourists. Having an entire town powered by wind would only increase its ecotourism appeal.

While some lobstermen have spoken against the plan, they appear to understand the necessity for alternative energy and may be willing to compromise.

Of course, Cape Wind’s proposal is on a much larger scale and raises some serious concerns about ecological damage both at sea and with additional facilities needed on land. But, if global warming continues to cause rising ocean levels, much of the Cape could be flooded in the future. And rising ocean temperatures could eliminate fishing grounds on their own, without assistance from a wind turbine.

The U.S. Minerals Management Service recently released a report stating construction of 130 turbines would cause minimal environmental impact. But, there is still a public comment window for new concerns to arise.

However the debate concludes, it needs to happen quickly so the region can find another alternative energy source if wind is not politically or environmentally feasible.

Finally, on the lighter side, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino recently discussed adding a wind turbine atop City Hall. There certainly should not be many people concerned about the turbine destroying a view, as City Hall is probably one of the ugliest buildings in Beantown.