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The foundation for our renewable energy future

The following op-ed piece was the result of collaboration between Clean Power Now and columnist Francis I. Broadhurst of Centerville, MA . It was broadcast on Cape and Islands NPR as part of their on going series of opinion pieces Mr. Broadhurst—a long time supporter of the Cape Wind Associates Project in Nantucket Sound—has become a member of Clean Power Now.

Cape Wind is the foundation for our renewable energy future -- an opportunity to put Massachusetts on the map as a clean energy leader while paving the way for other renewable energy projects.  Cape Wind will provide the Cape and Islands with 75% of our energy needs. In conjunction with the future of offshore wind, it will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and slow global warming.  Wind Power is a clean, renewable energy resource that does not pollute our air with dirty fossil fuel emissions that cause global warming.  By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, properly sited wind farms will also help prevent bird populations from becoming extinct. 

A recent study published in the journal Nature indicates that 15-37 percent of all bird species could face extinction due to global warming by the year 2050

A recent study published in the journal Nature indicates that 15-37 percent of all bird species could face extinction due to global warming by the year 2050. Radar studies conducted by Denmark's National Environmental Research Institute indicate wind farms have no adverse impact on bird populations. Most bird species, they discovered,  exhibit an avoidance reaction to wind turbines, thereby reducing the probability of a collision.  Jack Clarke, director of public policy and government relations at the Massachusetts Audubon Society states that the Denmark studies are very credible. 

Moreover, Mass. Audubon conducted its own study, concluding that roseate terns avoid Horseshoe Shoals completely.  “If it looked as if these birds were going to be further jeopardized in the northeast as a result of this project then we would have some very, very serious concerns and strong doubts about whether it's a viable project, but we don't see that” Mr. Clarke said on the PBS News Hour this fall.

Cape Wind will also bring significant economic benefits to the local region by creating jobs, stimulating the local economy, and diversifying the region’s energy sources. Renewable energy in Nantucket Sound will displace energy we currently generate using fossil fuels without requiring additional back-up power.  Forty-five percent of Southeastern Massachusetts’ generating capacity is oil-fired, which means Cape Wind will reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Further, in contrast to the skyrocketing energy prices we are currently experiencing, the cost of wind energy remains constant and brings a stabilizing influence to energy prices.

In light of the increasing costs of heating our homes this winter, local residents would stand to benefit greatly from the Cape Wind Project through a fixed-price deal where electric rates would remain the same.  The Cape Light Compact could negotiate long-term contracts on behalf of the 197,000 Cape and Vineyard residents they supply.  This would benefit local residents by providing a fixed-price electricity supply well into the future.

A stepping-stone for deep-water technology & the gateway to our renewable energy future

Cape Wind is a stepping-stone for deep-water technology. This near-shore experience is essential to deep-water success.  Currently, there are no deep-water wind turbines anywhere in the world.  The purpose of the first proposed deep-water site, the Beatrice “demonstrator” project in Scotland, is to test new technology.  Unlike the Cape Wind project, the Beatrice demonstrator is heavily subsidized, receiving almost $16 million for 2 turbines.  Furthermore, the developer acknowledges deep-water technology is not viable today.  The future of deep-water offshore wind energy is promising. But the present viability of near-shore wind energy is real. The near-shore Cape Wind project can supply our short-term needs and lay the foundation for the coming of deep-water wind.

Cape Wind is the gateway to our renewable energy future.  The project has been undergoing an environmental review for four years, and no major flaws have been found.  It is the right project, for the right place, at the right time.

Francis I Broadhurst is the senior political columnist on Cape Cod, having written for the Cape Cod Times off and on since 1964. For many years he authored "The Broadhurst Report" on WQRC, and he is a lifelong registered Republican who has served as Chairman of the Board of Selectmen in Barnstable. You may write him at 88 Stony Cliff Road, Centerville, MA 02632 or email him at fibcape@comcast.net. See the original broadcast here.