Ward’s Island renewable energy park
The City of New York recently signed an agreement with Natural Currents Energy Group that will put a renewable energy generation park on the southern tip of Ward’s Island, near the Triborough (RFK) Bridge. The park will include four 100 kilowatt tidal turbines, a 140 foot wind turbine and 800 square feet of solar panels, generating, in total, enough energy to power 100 homes. The energy will be used to offset the costs of lighting the park and at Icahn stadium on adjacent Randall’s Island. The green “power park” is intended as a demonstration of the cost-effectiveness and suitability of alternative energy and will produce only a fraction of the energy that could potentially be generated on the island. The park will also feature a community center where the public can learn about renewable energy and its potential within the City.
It’s estimated that tidal power generation in the East River alone could generate 3 to 5% of the city’s energy needs. Ward’s Island was identified as a location for implementing tidal turbines due to its location along the Hell Gate, where currents are particularly strong.
(via New York Post)
