Energy Information

Experience with turbines and meteorological towers on Martha's Vineyard has proven that we have a strong onshore wind resource. Due to less turbulence and friction, our offshore wind resources are steadier and stronger than the wind we experience on land.

Current available data of scattered offshore anemometers and state wind maps indicate that the wind around Martha’s Vineyard is strong. A wind map from the National Renewable Energy Lab (“NREL”) classifies all open water to the east, southeast and south of the Vineyard as either “Excellent” (between 7.5 and 8 meters per second at 50 meters altitude) or “Outstanding” (between 8.0 and 8.8 meters per second).

Using available wind information sources, seabed maps, lease rights, etc, Vineyard Power will investigate potential sites for offshore wind power generation to be owned and operated by the cooperative. This will include deploying an initial meteorological monitoring buoy to record actual wind speed over the course of one year. These data will confirm that the specific site is economically viable before Vineyard Power commits to detailed design or permitting. This process will include thorough environmental impact studies that will ensure that no development is undertaken that will have an undue negative effect on the marine or avian life that is such a key part of our region's ecosystems.

Initial wind power models suggest that Vineyard Power can meet the full winter electric load of Martha's Vineyard with the development of 17 medium-size offshore turbines (2.5 MW). This will be enough to supply members with clean, renewable energy and reductions in energy rates that are estimated to total $500 per year for the average island household - or $1200 per year for an average commercial member. An estimated timeline suggested that this vision can be realized by 2016.