Big U.S. offshore wind farm wins crucial permit

By Kevin McNicholas

BOSTON (Reuters) - A $1 billion proposal to build the first big U.S. offshore wind-power farm passed a key hurdle on Thursday by winning permit requirements in Massachusetts, where it faces opposition from some influential residents.

Cape Wind Associates LLC, a privately funded Boston-based energy company, has proposed constructing 130 wind turbines over 24 square miles (62 sq km) in Nantucket Sound, within view of the wealthy Cape Cod resort region of Massachusetts.

The project, designed to power about 400,000 homes, won unanimous approval by the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board in a 7-0 vote for a "composite certificate" that combines nine state and local permits needed for the project.

Also known as a "super permit," the certificate concludes all state and local permitting and overturns a Cape Cod Commission procedural denial of the project.

Cape Wind President Jim Gordon said Thursday's vote caps a seven-year state regulatory process.

"I'm ecstatic," he said after the vote. "It paves the way for new clean energy jobs, action on climate change and a renewable energy future for Massachusetts and the region."

The board, created by the state legislature, instructed Cape Wind in March to work with two towns to agree on "reasonable and customary conditions" for permits for burying electric cables. The towns could sue to reverse the decision.

Gordon said the project is waiting for final approval by U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.