UD wind turbine under construction in 2010
Offshore wind is a highly debated topic in the Cape Region right now. However, in the months surrounding the construction of the University of Delaware’s wind turbine on the College of Earth, Ocean & Environment, local residents were also airing concerns about the new addition to Lewes’ horizon.
These photographs were made during the early part of construction in April 2010. The tower for the 256-foot tall 2-megawatt turbine was constructed in four segments.
According to then-UD Dean Nancy Targett, one of the goals of the turbine was to enhance research and development efforts for offshore wind. UD partnered with Gamesa Technology Corp., a Spanish-based company founded in 1970 focused on developing new technologies.
Gamesa merged with Siemens Wind Power to create Siemens Gamesa in 2017. Following construction of the UD turbine, Lewes Mayor and City Council passed a moratorium on wind turbines within the city after residents called for action. Lawsuits also followed, but the turbine remains standing today. According UD’s website, the turbine provides enough electricity to cover the needs of the campus and about 100 homes in Lewes. It provides educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate science and engineering students, as well as members of the public interested in wind energy. And the revenue generated by the turbine helps to fund research and graduate students in wind energy and electricity storage.
