DELAWARE COAST - Earth Day protest, as the Skipjack Wind Farm project continues to be a concern for many. The energy company Orsted says the project for offshore wind would bring enough clean energy to power 35,000 homes in the Delmarva region. While others support clean energy, they're still worried about the impacts the turbines would cause to the environment. The Skipjack Wind Farm has hit some rough waves, from losing Fenwick Island State Park as its onshore connection, then delaying its project end date. Orsted is still working out plans to build an onshore connection facility, and says it will be transparent about the places it is considering, but the energy company says the benefits are extensive. Brady Walker, the Mid-Atlantic Market Manager for Orsted said, "The real benefit of offshore wind is that it is poised to be able to provide a clean, renewable source of energy for generations to come." But some people think issues lay deeper than the cables would underground. David Stevenson, with the Caesar Rodney Institute said, "We think that this is a bad environmental choice, compared to other choices we could make, expensive, it's going to have untold impact on ocean creatures, birds and on our tourist industry." Stevenson went on to say the project would harm the breeding patterns for horseshoe crabs in the area. But last month Orsted award $50,000 to the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays to support horseshoe crab research and restoration, among other initiatives. Walker said, "We have done so in a way that protects the environment and we're very very proud of that, and that's a commitment and a charge that we take very very seriously." Despite Orsted continuing to say the project is safe and environmentally friendly, others think there is a different way to do it. Stevenson said, "You could do the same thing these offshore wind farms are doing with onshore wind or solar without the environmental impacts at 1/4 of the price." Orsted says the project will bring significant job creation for the Delmarva area. But it could be quite some time before work actually begins. The Skipjack Wind Farm is scheduled to be operational in late 2026. Orsted says it is listening to the public, and hopes to have options for an onshore connection facility by the end of June.
Earth Day Protest, People Making Their Voices Heard About Skipjack Wind Farm Project
