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Wind Power Hailed in Vinalhaven
Oct 20, 2009 09:01 AM
Categories: Summer Town: Vinalhaven, Kennebunkport, Portland
A tale of two New England islands: Vinalhaven is embracing the erection of an energy-generating turbine, while Martha's Vineyard is fighting wind power as if it were the next Katrina.
It's true that tiny Vinalhaven is starting with just one turbine and scores were planned on the shores of that Massachusetts island but it's an interesting twist to the challenge of dealing with alternative sources of power.
Vinalhaven, populated by modestly remunerated lobstermen and fishermen, is desperately searching for ways to cut down costs. The increase in the price of gasoline and diesel for the boats is killing them, while the low price of lobster is adding to the difficulty of breaking even.
Those who inhabit the Vineyard, meanwhile, are generally wealthy merchants and retirees who are joined in good weather by even wealthier tourists. They don't need to watch their pennies.
Still, it was interesting to see that Vinalheaven residents in late summer gathered to greet the mammoth turbine. If that barge had pulled up to to a dock at the Vineyard - or in Portland or Kennebunkport - one doubts the reception would have been so warm.
And again, it's about alternative energy sources. Maine is a national leader among states that import the highest percentage of fossil fuels. Changes are due.
It's encouraging to see that some Mainers are willing to experiment with wind power, even if it is out of desperation. We'll see how it works out.
It's true that tiny Vinalhaven is starting with just one turbine and scores were planned on the shores of that Massachusetts island but it's an interesting twist to the challenge of dealing with alternative sources of power.
Vinalhaven, populated by modestly remunerated lobstermen and fishermen, is desperately searching for ways to cut down costs. The increase in the price of gasoline and diesel for the boats is killing them, while the low price of lobster is adding to the difficulty of breaking even.
Those who inhabit the Vineyard, meanwhile, are generally wealthy merchants and retirees who are joined in good weather by even wealthier tourists. They don't need to watch their pennies.
Still, it was interesting to see that Vinalheaven residents in late summer gathered to greet the mammoth turbine. If that barge had pulled up to to a dock at the Vineyard - or in Portland or Kennebunkport - one doubts the reception would have been so warm.
And again, it's about alternative energy sources. Maine is a national leader among states that import the highest percentage of fossil fuels. Changes are due.
It's encouraging to see that some Mainers are willing to experiment with wind power, even if it is out of desperation. We'll see how it works out.
Arborwoman says,
I think wind power is a great idea! I think the wind turbines look good on hillsides and I assume they would look good in the water. I am not sure whether they are noisy, as I've heard both opinions... that they are noisy and that they aren't. I wish success to the Mainers on Vinalhaven in their new venture. I like the fact that they are willing to try it.
Keep up the great work, Dyke, of informing us....
Oct 26, 2009 09:30 AM
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