September 2008
Status of US Offshore Wind Development Activity by State
Public sector initiatives and responses to development proposals
Georgia
Georgia Wind Working Group
ACTION:
Promotes responsible development and use of wind power. Fifty members including utilities, wind developers, government, universities, and other stakeholders. Oversees a Georgia offshore-coastal wind committee.
STATUS:
Convened successful offshore wind roundtable in 2006, planner’s workshop and public forum in 2007. Filed public comments on MMS proposed interim testing policy and leasing rule.
Southern Winds Project: Georgia Tech Strategic Energy Institute/Southern Company
ACTION:
Conducted a 2-year feasibility study assessing all aspects of constructing and operating wind farm off the Georgia Coast. Identified promising sites based wind resources, geophysical characteristics, environmental considerations, competing usage, distance from shore and comparative costs (public acceptance v. cost of additional cabling)
STATUS:
Final report issued in 2007. Conclusion stated that the concept is feasible, but that regulatory issues, cost and insurability issues remain. Three offshore Georgia sites selected by MMS for offshore wind related assessment work under the interim rule. An interim lease was granted and Southern Company is proceeding with the process. The first stakeholder meeting involving state and local agencies, MMS, Southern Co. and the public is scheduled for November, 2008.
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