Vineyard Wind, the joint venture between Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, is facing fierce criticism as more debris from a broken offshore wind turbine threatens the Massachusetts coastline. On Thursday, the company admitted that another significant piece of the damaged blade had fallen into the ocean, raising concerns about further debris washing ashore.
The crisis, which began last Saturday, saw parts of a GE Vernova turbine blade break off, with pieces washing up on Nantucket’s popular beaches during the height of the summer tourist season. Vineyard Wind has been unable to provide a reason for the blade’s failure, causing frustration and alarm among local residents.
During a heated public meeting on Wednesday, Nantucket residents voiced their outrage, criticizing both the turbine’s manufacturers and its operators. The meeting, which was also streamed online, revealed the extent of the community’s concerns as more than six truckloads of debris had already been collected, with larger pieces still unaccounted for.
Despite efforts to clean up, the situation remains dire. “This morning, a significant part of the remaining GE Vernova blade detached from the turbine,” Vineyard Wind stated. “Maritime crews were onsite overnight preparing to respond to this development, though current weather conditions create a difficult working environment.” The company has mobilized additional crews to Nantucket and is monitoring other coastal areas for more debris.
The U.S. Coast Guard has issued warnings to mariners, highlighting the dangers of navigating near the affected area. A 500-meter safety zone has been implemented around the turbine, yet debris, including a reported 300-foot-long piece, continues to pose a hazard.
The U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has taken decisive action, ordering Vineyard Wind to halt all power production and new turbine construction until further notice. A Preservation Order has also been issued to safeguard evidence related to the incident.
Vineyard Wind’s response has been scrutinized as they continue to grapple with the fallout. In their statement, they emphasized ongoing efforts to manage the situation: “We are staying apprised of GE Vernova’s efforts to manage the situation, including the removal and recovery of the remaining blade attached to the turbine. With public officials, we will continue to keep the islands informed of developments as we work closely with state, federal, local, and tribal partners to respond to this evolving situation, with the safety of our personnel, the public, and the environment as our highest priority.”
As Vineyard Wind struggles to contain the damage and address public concern, the full impact of this disaster remains to be seen. The first major U.S. offshore wind farm, located 15 miles south of Nantucket, is still under construction, with only a third of its planned turbines installed. This incident casts a shadow over its future and raises serious questions about the reliability and safety of offshore wind energy projects.
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