BY JOE TYRRELL
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
Although other industrialized countries have surpassed the United States in production of offshore wind power, the New Jersey coast is one area that offers a prime opportunity to play catch up, according to a new report.
A study spearheaded by the National Wildlife Foundation said the industry is poised for a growth spurt, provided the country adopts an energy policy that encourages its development.
Although a major step for America, that would be nothing new for other industrialized countries. According to the report, "Offshore Wind in the Atlantic," countries in the European Union already generate more than 2.3 gigawatts of power from offshore turbines.
China recently opened its first offshore turbine field, which produces 102 megawatts of power. While far smaller than the combined European facilities, China plans to develop 30 gigawatts of offshore power by 2020.
