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It is very distressing to read that the Trump administration is following through on its policy to disrupt development of wind power (“What’s New With Wind Projects in Massachusetts and Beyond?”). It was bad enough to hear that new permits would no longer be granted. It is outrageous that existing projects nearing completion are now being halted.

Revolution Wind, being built off the Rhode Island coast, is 70% completed, with installation of 45 of the 65 planned turbines. It was on track to start delivering power to the electric grid next year. Revolution Wind is a key part of Rhode Island’s climate policy. The wind farm is expected to generate enough power for 350,000 households.

Electricity demand is increasing and is expected to accelerate over the next 10 years due to the expansion of industries including data centers,  semiconductors and batteries, and electric vehicles. Fossil fuel energy, much of it provided by aging plants, cannot meet this demand and should not be part of the solution as it causes air pollution and contributes to the ever increasing climate change that threatens the future of the planet.

Failing to meet society’s energy demand will also increase utility bills, which have already become increasingly unaffordable in many regions of the country. 

Meeting the energy needs of the future requires continued expansion of wind and solar, paired with energy storage. Supporting wind power expansion will provide the clean power we need for a healthy future. 

Marvin Berkowitz is a resident of Brewster.

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8 replies on “Opinion: We need wind power for a healthy future”

  1. 100% Off Shore Wind should be shut down, the energy return is minimal, and it cost to much to produce. There are better energy investments available that would help lower our utility bills. But most importantly we should be protecting our fishing industry and environment. Not killing sea life and destroying our oceans, rivers, bays, inlets, coves, and water ways.

  2. Renewables, wind and solar, are the cheapest and cleanest way to produce electricity. Name any investment that would provide a better return on energy costs. Do you think that global warming and over fishing protects our sea life?
    Fossil fuel usage needs to end as soon as possible.

    1. Your welcome to your opinion, but the global warming myth has been going on for decades, and regulations have had fishing areas shutdown for years, so the over fishing argument is not going to fly. As far as fossil fuels go, with the abundance of clean natural gas it should be a no brainer for this governor to approve the proposed natural gas pipeline.

  3. Solar and wind are the majority of new electric generation sources serving the US grid. Why? Because they are the cheapest and most profitable sources to build and operate. TX, OK, and many western states have substantial wind turbine sectors sourcing their regions despite their protestations and political collusion to kill the already-built OSW facilities scheduled to supply the New England grid. This is a politically-motivated attack on New England that leaves us in immediate financial debt and with soaring prices. It is waste, fraud, & abuse. It ensures future climate collapse. It is outdated technology, a hugely publicly subsidised extraction, health-harming, and financed by pay-to-play profiteers who don’t give a damn about any of us.

    1. Your welcome to your opinion, but solar and wind are band-aids and only can provide minimal resources. Our energy needs are too great and it will always take a combination of Fossil Fuels, Hydro, Nuclear, and Clean Energy to run our Country. The argument of climate collapse has been going on for decades and the technology is there to make sure we can provide a clean environment.

    2. Wind farms on land is far more efficient and cost effective. In most cases, they projects are done/financed privately without the govt subsidies. And yes, they provide cheap, efficient electricity when the wind blows.

      Wind farms in the ocean are not viable. Why does Massachusetts have some of the highest utility costs in the country? Our politicians refuse to allow increased natural gas pipelines into our state. Ohio and West Virginia have hundred’s of years worth of clean natural gas that can be sent north and provide cheap clean power.

      Massachusetts got LNG imports from Russia!! Now they are from Angola. Why import LNG from Angola??? foolish foolish people in charge of this state

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