Researchers: Va. ready to lead in wind power

RICHMOND

Virginia and other mid-Atlantic states are positioned to lead an effort to establish an offshore wind technology demonstration program and test center, researchers argue in a new analysis to the federal government.

In it, wind power advocates explain why Hampton Roads is suited to foster the fledgling industry.

The U.S. Department of Energy put out a call for information, due today, as it ramps up plans to develop renewable energy, a stated goal of the Obama administration.

Although federal funding isn't guaranteed, proponents of wind energy development in Virginia hope it will flow soon - they anticipate an increased appropriation for a federal wind program in 2011 based on a published budget request.

"This is just the beginning," said George Hagerman, a Virginia Tech researcher who directs the Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium offshore wind development program. He's one of the authors of Virginia's statement. "I hope we're doing something that will get us out of the paper world," he said.

There are, however, barriers to making the transition envisioned by wind supporters.

The turbines that harvest offshore winds in Europe aren't customized for America's environmental conditions such as its wind gusts and water currents.

And while Europe has winter nor'easters, it doesn't have the tropical storms that stir up powerful winds in sections of the mid-Atlantic each summer and fall.

Both factors mean machinery built to local specifications may be needed to capture American coastal winds.

Other challenges highlighted in the Virginia report are compatibility with military operations, bird flight patterns and the difficulties of offshore installation.

The report stresses the need for an offshore wind test center and lists three possible locations in the region that could accommodate the equipment: the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and the Chesapeake Light Tower.

Such a project would cost an estimated $60 million to $80 million over five years; the report suggests the federal government could cover a third to a half of the amount.

The potential of offshore wind to produce thousands of high-paying jobs in an industry that not only generates energy, but also millions in tax revenue, is eye-popping. By one government estimate, as much as 20 percent of the nation's energy could come from wind power by 2030.

But the up-front costs are steep.

Estimates place the cost of a turbine manufacturing plant in Hampton Roads at $500 million, according to a study by Hagerman's consortium. That amount quadruples to $2 billion for a 600-megawatt project.

That's going to require financial contributions from the state or federal governments, or both, said Mary Doswell, senior vice president for alternative energy solutions at Dominion Virginia Power. "I don't think you can put it on the back of one utility... or its customers."

A Virginia wind farm likely would need to be located in federal waters, at least 12 miles offshore, not state waters, which end three nautical miles offshore. Much of the area closer in is unsuitable for turbines because of conflicts with military operations and intrusions on wildlife and aquatic habitats and spawning grounds, according to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.

Despite such challenges, the report says, Virginia is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the momentum behind the offshore wind movement.

In addition to the research consortium, the state boasts an offshore wind coalition made of public, private and environmental partners and a new Offshore Wind Development Authority established by the state legislature.

Meanwhile, Virginia and several other states have joined the Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy Consortium organized by U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. Virginia will be home to a regional renewable energy office, federal officials announced last month.

Gov. Bob McDonnell's administration has blessed the new analysis and says it is committed to wind as a component of a broader energy strategy that includes traditional power sources, green alternatives and offshore drilling.

Julian Walker, (804) 697-1564, julian.walker@pilotonline.com