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FAA gives final approval to Cape Wind offshore wind farm

The Cape Wind offshore wind project is set to comprise 130 turbines in the Horseshoe Shoal area of Nantucket Sound, generating 468MW of power

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has dismissed objections to its decision that the Cape Wind offshore wind project in Massachusetts can go ahead.

The aviation watchdog upheld its “Determination of No Hazard” for the 130-turbine wind project planned for a 25 square mile patch of Nantucket Sound, as issued back in May.

The FAA denied petitions for a discretionary review from opponents that included the operator of a local airport on Cape Cod (see this BrighterEnergy.org story).

Cape Wind Associates, the developers of the 468-MW offshore wind project, said that it has now cleared navigation reviews with the FAA and the US Coast Guard.

Commenting on the final ruling from the FAA, Cape Wind Communications Director Mark Rodgers said: “We are pleased that the FAA has finalized its approval of Cape Wind so that we can move forward in creating jobs, increasing energy independence and make Massachusetts a global leader in offshore wind power.”

“Public interest”

The FAA approval came this week as the Cape Wind project’s amended power purchase agreements with utility National Grid was found to be in the “public interest” by Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley.

The deals were amended in the light of Ms Coakley’s concerns, with a 10% reduction in price (see this BrighterEnergy.org story).

The state AG is recommending that the 15-year arrangements now be approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities.

Cape Wind, which is to use 3.6MW Siemens wind turbines, has already received federal approval, the first offshore wind project to do so.