Wind turbines coming to Narragansett

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (WPRI) - Governor Don Carcieri has announced that the Department of Environmental Management will begin negotiations to begin building onshore wind turbines in Narragansett.

The DEM, in partnership with the the Town of Narragansett, will be working with Chevron Energy Solution Co. Under the Chevron ES proposal, no state or municipal funds are required to site and construct the turbines.

David J. Cook, Sr., Narragansett Town Council president, says, “The Town of Narragansett looks forward to a continuing relationship with the State Department of Environmental Management with respect to alternative energy options, and in particular wind energy. The potential for wind energy in our coastal community deserves further study and evaluation, and today’s economic conditions also mean that alternative energy sources must be considered. The Town is committed to a careful, thoughtful, and thorough review process with RIDEM and the selected vendor.”

The DEM has suggested three properties in the town to consider: including Camp Cronin, Black Point, and property on the southwest side of the Galilee Escape Road. Narragansett has proposed: the Scarborough Treatment Plant on Ocean Road and the Department of Public Works site on Westmoreland Street. But the exact locations and number of wind turbines that will be constructed will be determined during the negotiation process.

For more information on renewable energy, visit the DEM's website, by selecting “Renewable Energy” on the left side of the homepage.