Wind Turbines in the Sunshine State: What You Need to Know

For many, Florida evokes images of sun-drenched beaches and calm breezes. While these conditions are perfect for a vacation, they present unique challenges for wind energy. This article explores wind turbines, their place in Florida, and the laws governing their use.

What Are Wind Turbines?

Wind turbines are devices that convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy. A typical turbine has three main components:

• Rotor: This is the part of the turbine that includes the blades and the hub, which is the center point where the blades attach.
• Nacelle: Located at the top of the tower, this is the housing that contains the gearbox, generator, and other critical components.
• Tower: The tower supports the rotor and nacelle, raising them high into the air to capture faster, less turbulent winds.

Architectural Designs

There are two primary architectural designs for wind turbines:

• Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs): This is the most common design you’ll see. HAWTs have blades that resemble an airplane propeller and spin on a horizontal axis, facing into the wind. They are highly efficient for large-scale power generation but require a yaw mechanism to turn the nacelle and rotor into the wind.
• Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs): These turbines have a main rotor shaft arranged vertically. A key advantage of VAWTs is that they don’t need to be pointed into the wind, making them suitable for locations with turbulent or variable wind directions. However, they are generally less efficient than HAWTs.

Construction and Maintenance

The construction of a wind turbine is a complex engineering feat. It begins with site preparation and the laying of a deep concrete foundation. The tower, which is often transported in multiple sections, is then assembled on-site using large cranes. The nacelle and rotor are lifted to the top of the tower and secured. The final step is testing and commissioning the turbine.

Maintenance is crucial for keeping wind turbines running efficiently. Technicians regularly inspect all components, from the blades to the gearbox, and perform scheduled and emergency repairs. This can involve anything from changing oil in the gearbox to repairing a damaged blade or replacing a major component inside the nacelle. Much of this work is done at great heights, requiring specialized training in climbing and rescue techniques.

Florida’s Laws and Regulations

Florida’s stance on wind energy is unique and has recently been codified into state law. In 2024, legislation was passed that significantly impacts the development of wind turbines in the state.

The law prohibits the construction or expansion of:

• Offshore wind energy facilities on state waters.
• Onshore wind turbines or facilities on real property within 1 mile of Florida’s coastline, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, or the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.
• Wind turbines or facilities on any waters of the state or submerged lands.

This legislation effectively bans utility-scale wind power development in Florida’s coastal areas and state waters. While it does not prohibit small-scale, non-commercial wind turbines for individual use, it reflects the state’s emphasis on other energy sources.

Pros and Cons of Wind Energy

Wind energy, like any power source, has both advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

• Clean and Renewable: Wind energy is a clean power source that produces no greenhouse gas emissions or air pollution once operational. It is a natural, unlimited resource.
• Cost-Effective: Once a wind turbine is installed, its operating costs are relatively low because the “fuel” (wind) is free.
• Efficient Use of Land: Wind turbines take up a small physical footprint, allowing the land to be used for other purposes like farming or ranching.
• Job Creation: The wind industry is a fast-growing sector that creates jobs in manufacturing, construction, operations, and maintenance.

Cons

• Intermittency: Wind is an inconsistent energy source; turbines only generate power when the wind is blowing at an optimal speed. This requires backup power sources or energy storage solutions.
• Visual and Noise Pollution: Many people find the sight of large turbines aesthetically unappealing, and the turbines can create a low-level, humming noise.
• Wildlife Impact: Wind turbines can pose a threat to birds and bats that fly into the rotating blades, although technological improvements and proper siting have helped to mitigate this.
• Remote Locations: Wind farms are often located in rural or windy areas far from population centers, requiring the construction of new transmission lines to get the electricity to consumers.

Resources

• Florida Statutes, Chapter 377.708: Wind energy.
• S. Department of Energy, WINDExchange.
• American Clean Power Association.

John Caravella Esq., is a construction attorney and formerly practicing project architect at The Law Office of John Caravella, P.C., representing architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, and owners in all phases of contract preparation, litigation, and arbitration across New York and Florida. He also serves as an arbitrator to the American Arbitration Association Construction Industry Panel. Mr. Caravella can be reached by email: [email protected] or (631) 608-1346.