The Ask the Experts database managers conducted an interview with Dr. Scott McWilliams (Professor of Wildlife Ecology & Physiology) to summarize the findings of multiple URI studies that have set out to minimize the effects that the Block Island Wind Farm has had on birds and bats.
Continue reading "How Are Birds Affected by the Block Island Wind Farm and How Do They Interact With the Wind Turbines?"Category: ATE
Can Wind Turbines Withstand Storms?
The Atlantic hurricane season is officially defined as June 1st through November 30th. During this time, the northeast is at risk of experiencing tropical storms that originate in the ocean causing high winds, storm surge, heavy rainfall and rip currents. So, how do offshore wind turbines withstand these storms?
Continue reading "Can Wind Turbines Withstand Storms?"What Type of Jobs Are Made Available by Offshore Wind?
Offshore wind creates jobs in more disciplines that you might think. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) has a career database that includes positions for engineers, technicians, accountants, educators, communications and marketing professionals, project and operations managers, and more.
Continue reading "What Type of Jobs Are Made Available by Offshore Wind?"Why Can’t the Turbines Be on Land?
The primary benefits to installing turbines offshore rather than on land is access to higher wind speeds and more available space.
Continue reading "Why Can’t the Turbines Be on Land?"Why is the United States’ East Coast an Optimal Location for Offshore Wind?
At the Global Ocean Summit Series: Session 4, Jeff Grybowski (Former CEO of Deepwater Wind) explained why the United States’ East Coast is an economically advantageous location for the development of offshore wind.
Continue reading "Why is the United States’ East Coast an Optimal Location for Offshore Wind?"What is the Block Island Wind Farm?
The Block Island Wind Farm (BIWF) is located within the Ocean SAMP Renewable Energy Zone approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) southeast of Block Island, Rhode Island and over 16 miles (25.7km) south of the Rhode Island mainland1.
Continue reading "What is the Block Island Wind Farm?"