The US Environmental Safety and Environmental Protection Agency (BSEE) has issued an order directing Vineyard Wind to stop generating electricity from all wind turbines following the July 13 blade failure incident.
62 GE Vernova Haliade-X 13 MW wind turbines are planned for the 800 MW Vineyard Wind offshore wind farm, each with a rotor length of 220 meters and blades of 107 meters.
The wind farm began generating electricity in February, and by the end of June, the ten turbines were supplying over 136 MW of electricity to the Massachusetts grid.
Last weekend, a blade failure on the Vineyard Wind project resulted in debris washing up on beaches on the island of Nantucket, Massachusetts.
BSEE said on July 17, “Following the July 13, 2024 Vineyard Wind blade failure incident, BSEE issued a shutdown order to Vineyard Wind to stop power generation from all of its wind turbine generators until it can be determined whether the blade failure is affecting any other VW turbines. “
“The suspension order suspends electricity generation on the leased area and suspends the installation of new wind turbine generator construction: These operations will remain shut down until the suspension is lifted. BSEE also issued an order to preserve any evidence that may be relevant to determining the cause of the incident.
“As of this date, there are no reported injuries or damage to marine resources or mammals as a result of the incident. BSEE is on site with Vineyard Wind while the investigation is ongoing. BSEE will conduct an independent assessment to ensure the safety of future offshore renewable energy operations.”
Vineyard Wind, a joint venture between Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), has already begun cleaning up and restoring debris in Nantucket.
By Wednesday morning, the company and its crews had removed approximately 17 cubic yards of fiberglass and foam debris, enough to fill more than six trucks and several larger pieces that washed ashore, according to the company.
Robert B. Our, a local construction firm, and the National Resource Corporation are leading cleanup operations. Vineyard Wind also said it has mobilized shorebird monitors to conduct visual surveillance of state and protected bird species.
“We are advancing efforts to recover the wreckage and are mobilizing even more resources on the island to speed up the cleanup as quickly as possible. Members of the public continue to be asked to refrain from handling debris, but to report any sightings of debris to Vineyard Wind or city officials for removal.” he said Klaus MoellerCEO of Vineyard Wind.
Yesterday, Vineyard Wind said in a press release that there is an increased possibility that the remaining piece of the blade could soon separate.
“As of Saturday night, a 500m safety zone has been in place around the GE Vernova turbine and blade, which is under constant surveillance,” the company said.
“We mobilized our response team and also witnessed new debris entering the water. Vineyard Wind is in the process of notifying the U.S. Coast Guard, Environmental Safety and Protection Agency, National Response Center, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Tribal Nations, Regional Emergency Planning Committees for Duke and Barnstable County, City of Nantucket , Martha’s Vineyard and surrounding coastal communities.”
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