Offshore wind turbine impacts a trade-off, panelists say
Construction of wind turbines off the North Carolina coast could affect birds and marine life, and while scientists and others seek more information on the extent of those effects, those who spoke during a forum last week in Wilmington said climate change is likely a greater threat.
Offshore wind turbine impacts a trade-off, panelists say
CoastalReviewOnline.org
Comments from Cruisers (2)
In addition, the nucs provide power 24/7.
The article states that "The Kitty Hawk WEA and Wilmington East WEA are under lease. These areas have the combined potential to generate upwards of 4 gigawatts of power, the equivalent output of four nuclear power plants." That is not really factually accurate when comparing apples to apples.
It is true that the nameplate capacity of the wind farm and four nuclear plants are both 4 gigawatts. But the capacity factor of a nuclear power plant ( the amount of power it actually produces compared to the nameplate capacity) is 90%. So 4 nuclear plants are capable of producing 3.6 gigawatts of power 24/7, 365 days a year. The average capacity factor of an off shore wind turbine is 45%. So the off shore wind farm is capable of producing 1.8 gigawatts of power 24/7, 365 days a year. A good amount of power for sure, but only the equivalent of 2 typical nuclear plants.