Wind Turbine Conference On the Horizon

By Peter Iglinski

Rochester, NY – The New York Power Authority will hold a conference in Rochester next month to encourage business involvement in an offshore wind energy project. The Power Authority has received 12 proposals for developing wind farms in the New York waters of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.

Power Authority Chairman Michael Townsend says the conference is a way to reach out to area businesses.

"I believe and don't hold me to this, I'm not a technician, but there are about 8,000 parts in a typical wind turbine. And it's our feeling that many of the local businesses can manufacture, service and maintain those products in the total package."

Townsend says there are about 60 businesses in western New York that can play a significant role in the Great Lakes Offshore Wind Project.

The Power Authority plans to name project developers in December. Townsend hopes to have the wind turbines installed and operational by 2014.

Next month's conference will take place on April 12 at Monroe Community College.