State, local officials discuss wind energy

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Offshore wind energy could be coming to the North Carolina coast.

State and local officials met in downtown Wilmington Wednesday to discuss auctioning two areas to wind energy companies.

Abundant offshore wind resources have the potential to supply large quantities of renewable energy, but there are also some concerns from coastal towns. Chief of the Office of Renewable Energy Programs Jim Bennett says there has been lots of discussion about the impact on tourism.

“There are a number of different concerns that we are trying to address including visual effects and market conditions,” Bennett said.

Several coastal town leaders asked questions about how close the wind mills could be seen from shore. Bennett said they will continue having these kinds of meetings to get more information before a decision is made.

If they move forward, Bennett said construction would not begin for another six or seven years.