Click to enlarge — NHD

❝ Offshore wind has a lot going for it. From steadier, stronger wind speeds to the fact that NIMBYism is much less of a challenge, there are reasons why offshore wind has grown rapidly in recent years. That said, there are challenges too. Most notably, it costs a lot more than other forms of power generation. Or at least, it did.

❝ Business Green reports that DONG Energy is set to smash offshore wind cost-reduction goals with two wind farms that it’s building off the Dutch coast. While an industry-wide goal is aiming to deliver a leveled cost of power at below €100/MWh by 2020, DONG just announced that the average bid strike price for the two Dutch wind farms currently stands at €72.70/MWh, excluding transmission costs…

❝ It’s worth noting, of course, that every project is different. Alongside supply chain efficiencies, technical improvements and other wizardry that led to this low price, Business Green also reports that the Dutch wind farm sites offered very favorable seabed conditions — which presumably reduced costs considerably too.

Still, there are other locations that have good seabed conditions. Most notably the East coast of the United States. What are we waiting for?

What ARE we waiting for. 1. Resistance from pop music stars and political dynasties with summer mansions that might have their view altered. 2. Resistance from Congressional know-nothings/do-nothings who fear primary campaigns from Tea Party acolytes still using kerosene in their reading lamps.