Bob Ciesielski
Atlantic Chapter Energy Committee Chair
A Great Lakes Wind Feasibility study is being conducted this year by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
Three firms, including the National Renewable Energy Lab, will review information and available technology, the incorporation of the electricity produced into the NYS grid, and federal, state and utility permitting.
Some of the items to be discussed in the study are the effects of wind turbines on water quality, fish and birds. Proposed turbines are secured to the lakebed by gravity weight and apparatus, eliminating the need for outdated blasting, digging and pile driving that would disturb lake sediment. Floating turbine designs are also being examined for deeper portions of the lakes.
As demonstrated in the ocean shallows near Block Island, Rhode Island, aquatic life has significantly increased near the wind turbines. Despite claims of some wind opponents that gas-bladder fish are harmed by turbines, research and experience show that the mere operation of wind turbines in water does not harm gas-bladder fish or other aquatic life. The non-disruptive techniques for installing turbines will ensure fish are not harmed.
Concerning birds, radar and cameras are currently being used by turbine operators to slow or halt turbines in the event bird flocks are detected nearby. Birds migrating across the Great Lakes generally fly at altitudes that are higher than wind turbines.
Wind turbines in the Great Lakes would create an important source of electricity in upstate New York — producing the energy needed to achieve clean home electrification, the buildout of electric vehicles, heating and cooling pumps and manufacturing.
The website for the study is www.nyserda.ny.gov/Great-Lakes-Wind-Feasibility-Study. Public webinars will be held in May, August and October 2021. The first presentation held March 19, 2021, may be found on the website. You may also sign up for an email list on the website.