In the last two weeks, Maryland succeeded in passing the Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013. The act will provide for a large subsidy that will help the first offshore wind project to stand up on its feet. The project will build up to 40 wind turbines off the coast of Maryland that have the potential to provide 200 megawatts of energy. Other pros of the project:
- 850 jobs will be created over 5 years.
- 160 jobs will remain in operations and maintenance after the project is complete.
- Carbon emissions are estimated to be reduced by 378,000 tons each year.
- Public health costs are expected to decrease by $17 million per year.
This has been a huge win for environmental advocates around the U.S. and will surely pave the way future installations. It is estimated that the coast of Maryland has the potential to produce 10,000 megawatts of energy. That’s enough power to supply all of Maryland!
Surrounding this bill is a contracting image also. On one hand, the project is leading the way for our transition into a more renewable, clean, and energy independent nation. On the other, some environmentalists are worried about the negative impacts these offshore wind farms will have on wildlife.
One negative aspect of wind power that many already know about is that it is to blame for the death of many bats, birds, and other avian species. In 2007, a bill was proposed that would end the development of wind farms until further research was done by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The bill did not pass, however this is evidence that some environmentalists support the mortality rate of avian species over the expansion of clean energy.
Today, we see that this is indeed something to be worried about on the ground. The American Bird Conservatory has found that around 40,000 birds are killed each year by power producing wind turbines. Although, in comparison, this doesn’t look like such a high number:
- Communication wires cause 4.5 million bird deaths.
- Domestic cats cause 100 million deaths to birds.
- Birds fly into buildings and induce their own death 500 million times a year.
However, with offshore wind power, these effects aren’t seen at such high rates. This is mainly because the bird population is in lesser density over the water compared to over land. It’s also known that most over water avian species “skim the water” when flying and tend to fly under the arms of a wind turbine off shore. A study in 2006 concerning population decrease of wintering waterfowls, gulls, and passerines showed that there was no telling population decline.
Displacement and loss of habitat seems to be of greater importance when considering the effects of offshore wind on sea birds. The sky area that the turbines occupy causes birds to change their paths, adding on distance. Also, the water area that the structures take up reduces the area that is available for the birds to harvest their food in.
What about marine mammals though? It turns out that there are at first negative effects of off shore wind on these animals. The construction of the wind plant creates a great amount of noise and digs at the floor of the ocean, destroying habitat. This causes mammals to move out of these areas. However, studies have shown that the population of species displaced recovers within the next few years.
Many other positive aspects come out of off shore wind power for marine life. The added structure under the water provides area for reefs to develop, and it has been observed that densities of fish are greater around wind plants because of the abundance of food growing on the structures and greater biodiversity in general. This added structure also reduces harmful fishing procedures that used to be practiced in the area, saving fish and habitat.
America will see the first off shore wind farm built off of Nantucket Sound. Cape Wind will be completed in 2016. Of course, we can expect the contradicting image of offshore wind power to be one that will result for its life time and cause conflict at times. However, the positive aspects of clean energy and increased biodiversity and habitat outweigh the cons.
Sources: Maryland Approves Development of Offshore Wind Energy , Wind Farms vs. Wildlife, Avian Mortality from Wind Power, Marine Renewable Energy, Offshore Wind and Wildlife, Impacts on Marine Mammals and Sea Birds
