 
Largest Offshore Wind Farm in U.S.
Planned for Delaware
July 2009 Electrical Worker
The waters off of Rehoboth Beach in Delaware may soon be home to the largest offshore wind farm in the United States.
Legislation to allow the construction of more than 150 wind turbines a dozen miles off the shore of Rehoboth was passed by the Delaware legislature and signed into law last summer.
Each turbine will stand more than 250 feet above the water and extend 90 feet below sea level.
Delmarva Power, the state’s utility, expects the wind farm will power approximately 50,000 homes a year when it’s completed in
2012. The Energy Department recently said that nearly 20 percent of our domestic electrical supply could be provided by offshore wind.
In addition to more clean energy for Delaware residents, the wind farm will mean green jobs for IBEW members. Wilmington Local 313 signed a project labor agreement with Fluor Corp.—a construction contractor—and Bluewater Wind LLC to construct and maintain the turbines. Installation of the farm will require more than 200 electricians, while its maintenance will require approximately 20.
The wind farm needs to complete environmental impact studies and clear federal regulatory hurdles before construction can begin.
"We worked with Bluewater to help make it happen," said Local 313 Business Manager Douglas Drummond. Instrumental in getting the project approved was state Senate Majority Leader Tony DeLuca, former Local 313 business manager, who guided negotiations with the utility, elected officials and Bluewater.
"Our coasts are rich in wind power, and our members have the skills and training needed to tap into it," Drummond said. "It just shows how important our green-training programs have become."
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