Offshore Wind Farms in New Jersey
By Ariel Schwartz
This article was originally posted on EcoLocalizer, part of the Green Options Media Blog Network. Visit EcoLocalizer for more news on local environmental action.
When you think about New Jersey, wind power probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, a growing number of communities are working to change the image of the state as a factory and freeway-filled wasteland into one of a sustainable energy empire.
As The Star Ledger reports, the township of Montclair recently installed two wind turbines that will generate 2,000 watts of energy—enough to power one of the town’s water supply tanks. While that may not seem like a huge achievement, consider this: The tank holds 2.5 million gallons of water.
And Montclair’s wind power effort isn’t even close to the only one in the state. In fact, New Jersey is plotting one of the most ambitious wind energy projects in the country.
According to an article in The Asbury Park Press, New Jersey is aiming to be the first state to build enough offshore wind farms to power 450,000 homes per year. If the energy initiative goes forward, an astounding 20 percent of the state’s power would come from wind by 2020.
Let’s hope that other states follow New Jersey’s example.
Tags: New Jersey, news, Other Renewable Energy Sources, wind power
