Explore offshore-wind potential

Both sides are generating strong arguments in the debate over whether Santee Cooper should be allowed to build a $1.2 billion coal-fired power plant in the Pee Dee. But all South Carolinians, including those still struggling to pick a side in that coal-plant fight, should agree that a growing portion of our state's future electricity needs must be filled by "renewable" energy sources. And that consensus should power fresh momentum for exploring the potential of offshore-wind turbines along our state's coast.

Nick Longfield of England, a successful expert in this field as managing director of Ocean Marine Services Ltd., made a compelling case that this renewable source is well worth our consideration during a presentation Wednesday at the Clemson University Restoration Institute on the former Navy Base in North Charleston. Among those in attendance were representatives of local utility and business interests — including maritime enterprises. They appeared to be, as we were, impressed by Mr. Longfield's pitch.

We know that over the next few decades our state faces a power-supply crunch demanding both increased production and enhanced conversation. We know that wind turbines, both on land and offshore, now supply 20 percent of Denmark's electricity, and that offshore wind supplies 20 percent of electricity for some parts of Great Britain.

And we know that we'll never know whether offshore wind power is feasible here if we don't effectively investigate the possibility.

Mr. Longfield, who also spoke to the Charleston Propeller Club Thursday at The Citadel, stressed Wednesday that offshore wind power is an idea whose time is coming to the United States: "It's going to happen." He further stressed that the states — and the businesses — getting a head start will reap major benefits, citing Denmark's offshore-wind leadership role in Europe: "Everybody relies on the Danes — almost too much."

And we in our nation rely far too much on fossil fuels. As concerns over carbon rise, so will the call for — and the government and marketplace incentives for — energy that doesn't require high volumes of greenhouse-gas emissions.

Santee Cooper officials, recognizing that reality, have shown sustained interest not just in nuclear power but wind power. In our state, that evidently means offshore-wind power. So Santee Cooper has funded an offshore-wind study with Coastal Carolina University.

Lonnie Carter, Santee Cooper's president and CEO, told us Thursday that he sees offshore wind "as our best opportunity for renewables," adding, "I don't think we can meet our renewable goals without it."

Obstacles, both expected and unexpected, will slow — or even scuttle — offshore-wind power in South Carolina. Though environmentalists consistently urge development of "renewable" energy, some are wary about offshore wind turbines' impact on birds. Mr. Longfield, recalling his experiences with well-connected bird-protection lobbying groups in Britain, warned: "Birds cost money."

Other offshore-wind questions here involve wind patterns, seabed composition and the availability of vessels big enough for the heavy-lifting equipment required to move those turbines into place.

Maybe offshore wind can be a powerful source of energy for South Carolina, maybe not. But we need to find out — and the sooner, the better.