For the first time on Long Island, a symposium will be held June 25^th, at the Smithtown Shreaton, to explore the viability of harnessing offshore wind resources to generate electricity for Long Island.

The symposium, which is being sponsored by the Long Island Offshore Wind Initiative (LIOWI), will focus on the viability of developing a group of wind turbines off Long Island's South Shore that will generate electricity, and the regulatory and environmental issues that must be addressed to advance project development.

Among those attending the symposium will be members of LIOWI's founding organizations, local elected, regulatory and environmental officials, civic leaders, and wind generation industry representatives who can speak with experience about developing large-scale wind generation projects.

LIOWI's founding organizations include: the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA); Long Island Neighborhood Network; Sustainable Energy Alliance; Citizens Campaign for the Environment; STAR Foundation; New York Public Interest Research Group; and the Citizens Advisory Panel.

"This symposium provides a unique opportunity to bring together key Long Island stakeholders to explore the viability of developing offshore wind turbines to generate electricity for Long Island," said LIPA chairman Richard M. Kessel. "I think it can be done, and the symposium is the first step in building the cooperative initiative that will be needed to advance offshore wind generation from a concept to a reality."

"Long Island's environment and economy will benefit from harvesting the enormous amount of clean and abundant wind energy resources that we have right here at our doorstep," said Gordian Raacke, Executive Director of the Citizens Advisory Panel (CAP). "We are thrilled to work with LIPA and the other members of the Offshore Wind Initiative because we believe that this project presents an unprecedented opportunity to begin the transition to sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources that is so sorely needed for Long Island and the nation."

"Long Islanders now have an incredible opportunity to help shape a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for us and our children," stated Kathleen Whitley, Program Manger for the Sustainable Energy Alliance of Long Island. "We look forward to working with the public on this exciting project and to bring the economic, environmental and health benefits of offshore wind power to Long Island's homes and businesses."

"Wind energy can make an important contribution to the energy needs of Long Island," said David Wooley, of the American Wind Energy Association. "It is a mature, clean and reliable technology that will reduce long term electric power costs and dependence on imported fossil fuel."

"Offshore wind turbines would keep local the money spent on electric bills, and would direct that money toward job creation for a new industry," said Neal Lewis, executive director of the Long Island Neighborhood Network. "Additionally, relying upon the wind as a source of power will create energy independence that will help disengage Americans from Middle East turmoil and unrest."

The Symposium will include a general session that will review the findings of a study recently conducted by LIPA and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. The study, entitled Long Island's Offshore Wind Energy Development: A Preliminary Assessment, found that offshore wind resources have the potential of creating some 5200 megawatts (MW) of electricity, which is enough to supply Long Island with nearly all of its electricity requirements.

As a result of the study, LIPA has advanced the idea of developing 100MW of offshore wind generation. To accomplish this, a phase-two study is needed to determine an exact offshore location for the nearly 33 turbines that will be needed to generate 100MW of electricity. Later this year, a request for proposals will be issued by LIPA seeking industry proposals to actually build the offshore wind turbines.

After the general session, overview sessions will be held on issues that will need to be addressed as part of the project development process. These sessions will include a review of regulatory and environmental requirements, community concerns and industry observations and generation technology review. Following the overview sessions will be a series of concurrent breakout sessions that will review and discuss the issues raised during the overview sessions. A concluding session will bring symposium attendees back together to sum up the primary issues identified during the breakout session dialogues.

It is anticipated that the Phase-Two Study will be completed before the end of the year and that LIPA will issue an RFP for offshore wind turbine development in the fall. In the meantime, LIPA and the Wind Initiative partners will continue to identify issues of concern.

Seating at the symposium is limited, so it is important that persons interested in attending pre-register. Persons interested in attending the symposium can register by going to www.lioffshorewindenergy.org, or by calling (516) 719-9890.