Cape May's Beach Patrol headquarters will be refitted with solar panels. Photo by Jack Fichter

CAPE MAY — A 30-foot tower, equipped with an anemometer to measure wind speeds, will be constructed in the city's Public Works Yard to test the site as a possible location for a wind turbine to power the desalination plant.

City Manager Luciano V. Corea Jr. told city council May 6 that he met with representatives of Fisherman's Energy of New Jersey L.L.C., (FERN) a developer of offshore wind turbines, which also advocates the use of wind turbines on land.

Corea said the city has agreed to work with the consortium on the installation of a tower in the public works yard equipped with an anemometer to measure wind speed and durations. The test project will last for about one year to determine if the yard would be a viable site for a wind turbine.

“That costs the city nothing,” he said. “We are just working with them to ascertain whether or not we would be viable.”
FERN is a consortium formed by principals of New Jersey fishing companies, which enables the fishing industry to participate in development of offshore wind energy, according to its Web site.

Corea said applications have been made for solar energy grants for the lifeguard headquarters, a new Convention Hall and the city's public works yard.

The design of the rebuilt lifeguard headquarters included interfaces to attach solar power to the building, he said. As the city moves forward with the design for a new convention hall, solar will be integrated into the plans, said Corea.
“We are moving ahead full speed, essentially, pursuing both avenues, both solar and wind,” he said.

Corea said he believed wind power was more advantageous since it is often available day and night in Cape May. He said wind power could generate a significant amount of electricity to power the city's desalination plant saving taxpayers thousands of dollars annually.

Deputy Mayor Niels Favre suggested the city also consider purchasing hybrid vehicles with the high cost of gasoline. He said the city should use new technology that is more environmentally friendly.

Earlier in the meeting, Councilwoman Linda Steenrod presented Bruce MacLeod, the city's Chief Financial Officer and member of the city's Energy Committee, with two clean energy awards from the state Board of Public Utilities and the New Jersey Clean Energy Program.

The city's Energy Committee worked to enroll 4 percent of city residents in the New Jersey Clean Power Choice Program, switching their electric supplier to one that uses renewable energy or credits.

The city was also lauded for its outstanding participation in the “Change a Light” program.