(LEWES, Del.) - Offshore wind farms could be coming to Delaware in the near future.
A public comment workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 5 at the Lewes Public Library with representatives from US Wind Inc. and Deepwater Wind, along with agents from Delaware's Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
Thomas Noyes, a representative from DNREC's Division of Energy and Climate and leader of the Offshore Wind Working Group, said the state could potentially reap both environmental and economic benefits from offshore wind farms.
"Delaware has a renewable energy portfolio standard which mandates that Delaware every year procures an increasing percentage of its electricity from renewable sources," said Noyes.
"Offshore wind, if it would work for Delaware, would be a third source of renewable energy right off our coast."
Currently the state has two renewable energy sources: land-based wind farms and solar panel farms.
Noyes said the Offshore Wind Group is working closely with the public every step of the way of the process to ensure all voices are heard.
"We want to give the public every opportunity to weigh in with opinions and questions," said Noyes.
Michelle Jennings, a longtime Lewes resident, said offshore wind farms could be an interesting sight on the shorelines.
"I think that we need to be realistic and find compromise," said Jennings. "Yes, it's something that's going to be a new part of the horizon but actually, it's not unattractive. It looks like those wonderful whirlygigs that we grew up with as children."
Investing in the future, Jennings added, is vital to Delaware's growth and sustainability.
"We do need to secure our future and this is part of it, sustainable energy," she said.
The locations proposed for the offshore wind farms are Rehoboth Beach and Ocean City.
The state's offshore wind division is expected to release a progress report on its research and present the report to the governor by Dec. 15.
Those who attend the 6 p.m. workshop in Lewes are encouraged to ask questions and share thoughts and concerns about the offshore wind initiatives.
Those who cannot attend the workshop can submit comments or concerns online by emailing Thomas Noyes at Thomas.Noyes@state.de.us or visit, http://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/energy-climate/renewable/offshore-wind-working-group/.
