James F. Manwell, professor and director of the Wind Energy Center at UMass Amherst, gave a log lunch presentation on September 19 about wind energy in New England. Having worked in the field for over 30 years, Manwell has published over 200 journal articles and a textbook on the subject, Wind Energy Explained: Theory, Design, and Application. Additionally, Manwell has served as a representative to various national and international wind technology groups including the International Electrotechincal Commission’s offshore wind turbine design program and the Massachusetts Department of Environment Protection panel on wind turbine health impacts.
Manwell’s talk provided an overview on the history and technology of wind energy, in addition to a discussion of resistance to the technology. He explained that over the years there has been a large increase in the use and size of wind turbines. Today these machines are comparable in height to the Washington Monument, but in the future a more appropriate reference will be to the Eiffel Tower. Yet as the prevalence of wind energy has risen, so too have criticisms of this alternative fuel. Nearby residents to turbines and fossil fuel industry representatives have been sharp opponents of the technology. As a result, groups such as “Cape Wind” and “Save Our Sound” in coastal Massachusetts have clashed over differing visions of wind energy on the Cape. Manwell elaborated that objections range from visual, environmental, health, to safety concerns, with most anti-wind lobbying occurring apart from the public dispute. While the wind energy debate continues in communities across Massachusetts, Manwell serves as a staunch advocate of the technology and expert resource on its history and future potential for growth.
Coincidentally, just the week before, developers of Cape Wind signed a lease with Massachusetts to start construction in New Bedford. Read more here: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2014/09/12/new-bedford-cape-wind-staging-area/FJmqtTUeIJM8w03D77oNbL/story.html.
By Sara Clark ’15
Megamenu Social