The map indicates two possible locations for wind farms in the Gulf.
A wind energy company proposes erecting up to 200 wind turbines off the Texas Gulf coast between Corpus Christi and Brownsville. Houston-based Baryonyx Corp. has applied for a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to develop the offshore wind farm. One proposal would develop more than 26,000 acres off Mustang Island, just north of Padre Island near Corpus Christi. That site is being reviewed by the Pentagon for potential interference with operations at nearby Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. Baryonyx expects a Defense Department report by about September 2011, says Senior VP Mark Leyland.
If problems arise with that site, an alternate proposal would develop 45,000 acres in coastal waters off the southern third of Padre Island. The turbines and pylons could mean new fabrication and storage jobs for the Corpus Christi-area economy, says Leyland.
Patrick Paddock, deputy operations officer at nearby Naval Air Station Kingsville, said he did not think initial Baryonyx plans to erect a few test turbines would significantly affect NAS Kingsville operations.
Turbines erected in San Patricio County, north of Corpus Christi, have caused false echoes on Navy radar because they are arranged in different directions and too close together. A large number of widely spaced turbines would cause less of a problem, says Paddock.
“What we ask is all the developers come to us early and work with us and decide if there are issues,” Paddock said. He said Baryonyx is glad to work with the Navy. Leyland estimates that the wind project, developed, could generate 3 GW
Baryonyx
www.baryonyxcorp.com
Filed Under: News, Offshore wind, Projects
