First US Offshore Wind Farm Will Usher in New Era For Industry

http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_OFFSHORE_WIND?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- The nation's first offshore wind farm is set to open off the coast of Rhode Island this fall, ushering in a new era in the U.S. for the industry.

Developers, federal regulators and industry experts say the opening will move the U.S. industry from a theory to reality, paving the way for the construction of many more wind farms that will eventually provide power for many Americans.

Deepwater Wind is building a five-turbine wind farm off Block Island, Rhode Island to power about 17,000 homes. The project costs about $300 million, according to the company.

CEO Jeffrey Grybowski said the Block Island wind farm enables larger projects because it proves that wind farms can be built along the nation's coast.

"I look at Block Island as sort of the key to unlocking the code of how to do offshore wind in the U.S.," he said.
...
__________________________________________________________________

Alternative energy seems to be taking off in the US. We have some catching up to do, but solar and wind power can help to mitigate the effects of global warming.