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.
Nick Roth is the news editor. He has been with the Cape Gazette since 2012, previously covering town beats in Milton and Lewes. In addition to serving on the editorial board and building pages, Nick is responsible for the weekly Delaware History in Photographs feature and enjoys writing stories about the Cape Region’s history. Prior to the Cape Gazette, Nick worked for the Delmarva Media Group, including the Delaware Wave, Delaware Coast Press and Salisbury Daily Times. He also contributed to The News Journal. Originally from Boyertown, Pa., Nick attended Shippensburg University in central Pennsylvania, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He’s won several MDDC awards during his career for both writing and photography. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, going to the beach with his family and cheering for Philadelphia sports teams.
