Cape Wind is continuing its fight to build a 468MW offshore wind farm off the US east coast after launching an appeal against a state board decision to deny extensions to transmission line permits.
The developer has asked the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to reverse the Energy Facilities Siting Board decision.
Cape Wind said the board committed several errors of law and acted in an “arbitray and capricious manner”.
The board also exceeded its authority and interfered with the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s jurisdiction, as the wind farm would be built in federal waters, Cape Wind has claimed.
The developer had requested a two-year extension through 1 May 2017 for the 18-mile subsea and underground cables.
The project proposed in Nantucket Sound has floundered since National Grid and Northeast Utilities cancelled power purchase agreements covering 75% of the output after the developer failed to close financing by the end of 2014.
The 130-turbine project also faces ongoing legal challenges.
Cape Wind still holds an offshore wind lease and is consented. The developer has said a proposed state energy bill could open new off-take markets.
The Supreme Court has yet to set any dates in the appeal.
Image: an impression of the Cape wind offshore wind farm (Cape Wind)
Cape Wind files state case
Developer of 468MW wind farm launches appeal against siting board decision
By EBS