August 23, 2002—Cape Wind Associates has received approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to install a scientific monitoring station on Horseshoe Shoal, the site of its planned wind park off Cape Cod.
The structure will gather scientific data to be used in evaluating and designing the nations first offshore wind park as well as other scientific uses.
The monitoring station is a single pole outfitted with technological devices to measure meteorological and oceanographic data including: wind speed and direction, ocean currents, wave height, water salinity, and other vital information. The scientific data is needed to assist with wind park design and engineering, as well as to support permitting reviews by numerous state and federal regulatory agencies.
The 197-foot structure, estimated to cost Cape Wind Associates $2 million to erect and operate, will be located approximately 11 miles off Cape Cod. Operations are expected to begin this fall and continue for up to five years.
The proposed Cape Wind project includes 170 high-tech wind turbines spaced between one-half and one-third mile apart. At peak output, the project would generate more than 400 megawatts of electricity, enough to meet the needs of Cape Cod and the Islands.
For more information, contact Cape Wind.
