Project At a Glance

Cape Wind is proposing America’s first offshore wind farm on Horseshoe Shoal in Nantucket Sound. Miles from the nearest shore, 130 wind turbines will gracefully harness the wind to produce up to 420 megawatts of clean, renewable energy.  In average winds, Cape Wind will provide three quarters of the Cape and Islands electricity needs.

Cleaner Air










Our health and environment are negatively impacted by fossil fuel burning. The American Lung Association reports that Cape Cod has the worst air quality in Massachusetts. Cape Wind will contribute to improved air quality by reducing air pollution emissions in New England. Cape Wind will also


reduce global warming greenhouse gas emissions by 734,000 tons per year. Global warming contributes to rising sea levels and more frequent storms that erode our beaches and cause coastal property damage. Global warming and climate change presents the greatest threat to birds and sea life and their habitat.


Energy Independence

Since 1973, America has transferred over seven trillion dollars of its wealth to OPEC countries. Our dependence on foreign energy leaves our economy and national security at risk. By harnessing our local wind resources, we can contribute to reducing our dependence on imported energy. Cape Wind will provide clean, renewable energy capable of replacing 113 million gallons of oil per year.

Energy Costs

Cape and Island’s electric prices have more than doubled over the last five years. The Massachusetts Energy Facility Siting Board reports that Cape Wind will help reduce energy costs. Cape Wind can provide Cape and Island residents a way to stabilize their electricity prices through fixed priced electricity contracts. Natural gas prices have more than doubled over the last five years. The United States Department of Energy stated that Cape Wind and renewable energy will also conserve natural gas and help lower rising natural gas costs.






Jobs and the Economy

Cape Wind will establish Cape Cod and Massachusetts as a world-wide leader in offshore renewable energy technology. Cape Wind will create up to a thousand jobs in manufacturing, assembly, and ocean construction, boosting our local economy and creating 150 permanent jobs thereafter, including 50 highly paid maintenance and operations jobs based on Cape Cod.  Click here to read more about Cape Wind and the future of offshore wind energy.


Navigation

The wind turbines will be spaced six to nine football fields apart, allowing plenty of navigational room for shallow draft boats that pass through or fish Horseshoe Shoal. Cape Wind has been endorsed by the Maritime Trades Council and the Seafarers International Union, the largest fleet of commercial fishermen in New England.


Environmental Review
(Permitting)

Cape Wind is undergoing a comprehensive environmental permitting process by seventeen federal and state agencies, under the National Environmental Policy Act and the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act. In November 2004, these agencies released a very positive Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) reporting numerous project benefits at minimal impact (more on the DEIS).  In February, 2007 Cape Wind filed a Final Environmental Impact Report with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  The Minerals Management Service (MMS) was granted by Congress the authority to review and approve offshore wind projects including Cape Wind in the Energy Policy Act of 2005.  The MMS issued Cape Wind a favorable DEIS in January 2008 and a favorable Final EIS in January, 2009.  A Record of Decision from MMS is expected in the near future.  The project has gained the support of national and regional environmental, health, labor and citizens advocacy groups.Click here to see a complete list of project supporters.

Company History

Energy Management Inc. (EMI) is the developer of Cape Wind. EMI is a Massachusetts based energy company with a 30-year history of engineering, developing and constructing energy conservation projects and environmentally friendly electric generation facilities. The company has a proven track record in lowering energy costs, reducing pollution emissions, increasing energy independence, and creating jobs.