This summer, America’s first offshore wind farm went up right in my back yard.
Five wind turbines were installed three miles off the coast of Block Island, Rhode Island.
![Turbines being installed](https://thewryhome.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_6525.jpg)
Turbines going in, three more to go
In the grand scheme of things, five turbines is a small wind farm, but it’s the start of a new industry on this side of the pond.
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When they start powering this fall, the turbines will supply electricity to 17,000 homes in New England.
It was amazing to watch them go in.
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Here is a perspective of how big they are. Â See the person on the deck?
Putting windmills offshore, where the wind is stronger and more reliable than on land, could potentially provide more electricity than produced on the grid. Â This technology is already used in many European countries.
They have become somewhat of a tourist attraction on Block! Â The last turbine was completed a few weeks ago and now all five are on full display.
Here are two in view from the yard of the Southeast Lighthouse.
All five in a row off Southeast Light!
![Southeast Lighthouse](https://thewryhome.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_6515.jpg)
Southeast Lighthouse, built in 1875
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I love the juxtaposition of this beautiful, rustic island next to the chic, modern turbines.
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You can see them peeking around the corner all over the island.
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I can’t wait for them to start turning.
Excited that the Block Island Wind Farm can help provide clean energy. Â Take a look at this great article by Justin Gillis from the New York Times.
![View from the ferry, leaving the island](https://thewryhome.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_6569.jpg)
View of the wind farm leaving the island
the wry home
2 comments
Block Island came off very well in the NYT article.
I was on Block Island two weeks ago, the wind farm is impressive. I wish more coastal areas would develop wind farms.
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