PROVIDENCE, R.I., April 19 A multimillion dollar offshore wind project may be economically feasible, according to the results of a study commissioned by the governor of Rhode Island.Gov. Donald Carcieri announced an energy plan in 2006 to try to reduce prices for consumers, and the wind project is part of his plan, the Providence Journal reported.On the same level as the Cape Wind proposal in Massachusetts, RIWINDS would cost somewhere between $900 million and $1.9 billion and provide about 150 megawatts of power, or 15 percent of the state's demand."The economics are right in line with what we are hoping for," said Andrew Dzykewicz, commissioner of the state ' s Office of Energy Resources. "With a technology that doesn't need to escalate prices based on fuel, I think we are I really good shape." The RIWIND report was prepared by Applied Technology and Management in Florida. It suggested 10 offshore sites and one onshore where wind projects would be cost-effective and efficient. Two offshore sites near Block Island were found to be the most cost-effective in producing cheap electricity.So far no studies or polls have been conducted to determine whether residents would support or oppose such a large-scale project.Copyright 2007 by UPI
