PRIME MINISTER Dr. Keith Rowley’s plan for a wind farm may be just a lot of hot air.
That is because a University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) study has deflated such a project as “not an environmentally feasible option.”
The 2018 investigation uncovered that a wind farm would have a “severe and permanent” negative impact on turtles, including leatherback and hawksbill, which are critically endangered.
There would also be adverse effects on fishes, birds, marine mammals, and benthic (bottom of the sea) fauna, according to the study.
A decrease in the fishing ground is another harmful effect, the UTT probe discovered.
To a lesser extent, tourism, culture, and archaeology would be affected, the investigation further found.
There would also be reduced space for oil and gas exploration, it was explained.
The authors of the report acknowledged that “too many data gaps exist” and that “mitigation measures need to be examined.”
There should be an economic analysis to determine the viability of the project, the study advocated.
Rowley, in announcing his government’s plans, said a wind resource assessment would be conducted by the Ministry of Energy, in collaboration with international agencies.
He made no mention of an environmental impact assessment.
The UTT research found that no site had adequate wind resources at a height of 50 metres.
The Prime Minister said that of all energy renewable sources, offshore wind offers the best potential.
He stated that the initial goal is setting up a pilot project, demonstrating visible end-user applications.
But the negative environmental impact unveiled by the university examination suggests that Rowley could be blowing hot air on his proposed wind farm.
He also announced other proposed renewable energy projects, including a solar park venture.
He stated that the government aims to increase power from renewable sources by 30 per cent.
