Fenwick State Park eyeing off-shore wind partnership

October 2, 2019

Julian Sadur,

Fenwick Island, Del. – Fenwick Island State Park could be getting major improvements. Right now a plan is in the works to let energy company Orsted build 15 wind turbines off the coast of the town and in exchange, the state park would get up to $18 million to make improvements and electric from the turbines.

“If this project was approved they would supply the energy for the park and we would become the first offshore wind park, powered park in the United States,” said Ray Bivens, director of Delaware State Parks.

As part of the deal, Orsted would also run their transmission line underneath the park to an interconnection facility on site.

“The top of that interconnection facility, we’re using for recreational amenities as well 16 it would be pickleball, it would be an outdoor classroom,” Bivens said.

That’s not al,l the state park would also get a two-level parking garage, additional crossings and an overpass that would allow people to walk over coastal highway.

But not everyone’s in favor.

“What I am most concerned about are these additional new dune crossings that they want to put south of the current dune crossings, that would impact the town, I don’t think that’s a good thing at all,” said Dr. Janet Dudley-Eschbach.

Locals also raised concerns that the crossings would bring more unwanted traffic to the town.

Others were skeptical of the plan in general.

“I think what’s happening here is we’re being sold a beautification project who’s sole purpose is to provide cover for bringing this transmission line onshore,” said Kevin Carouge.

Interestingly enough, most we spoke with are in favor of wind energy. The only concern they raised was the visibility issue.

“You’ll be able to see them and on a clear day you’ll be able to see them sticking up over the horizon, but most of the days it’s pretty hazy out here,” said Joy Weber, with Orsted.

Weber added the turbines will be roughly 20 miles offshore,