Wind turbine by Santee Cooper

The Beach at North Myrtle has received its first off shore wind turbine which is the beginning for new source of renewable and green energy. The wind turbine was installed as a part of green power program at North Myrtle Beach’s Oceanfront Park by Santee Cooper. Greg Duckworth, the Councilman and member of the North Strand Coastal Wind Team said it provides an opportunity at the North Myrtle Beach to know the various kinds of turbines and their response in wind environment.

Duckworth said being at a wind field the return for the investment is easy within 5-10 yrs which mainly depends on wind speeds and investment at a particular place. The 2.4 kilowatt turbine will begin to generate electricity if the wind speed operates at 8 miles per hour and it can reach 29 mph maximum energy output says Santee Cooper. The turbine can power a refrigerator which is medium-sized and it also contains built-in meter displaying the real-time energy output.

According to expert every dollar added on wind energy can help the city to save $5 in total energy costs. The North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce survey where 91% supported wind farms off the coast as it will help the city to become a energy self sufficient. Marilyn Hatley, the Mayor of North Myrtle Beach said this has been a pleasure for them. Both Hatley and North Myrtle Beach city leaders think that this turbine is the starting steps to bring small wind energy systems at Carolina coast supporting to offset the energy costs.

The General Electric and state energy office members joined together to brief about the advantages and challenges they will face due to wind energy. There are healthy potential for offshore wind energy in South Carolina represents a study made by Coastal Carolina University. The program manager for developing markets said they are very pleased with the offshore wind at GE as there are strong winds near Georgetown and the North.