NRG Energy

Process & Timeline

Building a new power resource requires the oversight and involvement of dozens of local, state and Federal agencies. There is a state-mandated process that must be followed by any prospective energy supplier — bidding, testing, planning, permitting, public outreach and analysis. To help learn about and follow this long and sometimes complex process, we've assembled a timeline and highlighted milestones of key interest:

Delaware Requests Stable-Priced, Clean, Renewable Energy:

Key Milestones

Date

House Bill #74

July 2005

Delaware's Renewable Portfolio Standard signed into law, requiring that 10% of the state's electricity come from renewable sources by the year 2018.

House Bill #6 passes

May 2006

Delaware's legislature mandates that Delmarva must utilize energy from a plant located in Delaware, and to give preference to a project which best provides stable-priced power and uses renewable sources.

Delmarva issues Request for Proposals in response to HB #6

Nov 2006

Please see complete details at the Public Services Commission

Proposal development

Aug-Dec 06

Potential suppliers, including both fossil fuel-based resources and renewable resources, like Bluewater Wind, prepare their proposals

Bluewater Wind Prepares Its Proposal In Response:

Key Milestones

Time Frame

Planning begins

Summer 2006

Feasibility studies begun, including preliminary environmental reviews, wind assessments, oceanographic studies, etc.

Design begins

Fall 2006

Foundation options explored, engineering begun, turbine lay-out determined, etc.

Public outreach

On-going

Meetings with stakeholders will continue through-out the entire project process.

Proposal Review

Dec06 - Spring 08

Several Delaware agencies - Public Service Commission, Energy Office, Management and Budget, and the Controller General's office - review bids along with Delmarva to select project to be constructed.

Contract Awarded

Summer 08

Power Purchase Agreement between Delmarva and project company is finalized;

Based upon the bid outcome, NRG Bluewater Wind is moving forward with...

Permitting And Environmental Verification, Final Design:

Key Milestones

Time Frame

Verify engineering studies

12-24 months from signing contract

All feasibility studies must be verified, tested and finalized

Complete environmental Impact studies

12-24 months after signing contract

Exhaustive, site-specific studies are analyzed

Obtain final permits

12-24 months from signing contract

Dozens of state, local and federal agencies are involved; view list

Community outreach

On-going

Public meetings held by state agencies take place, along with information sessions sponsored by NRG Bluewater Wind

Construction & Installation

Key Milestones

Time Frame

Finalize engineering design

6-12 months

As additional data on the sea floor and waves become available from further on-site studies, the foundation and tower design is finalized.

Construction & installation

12-36 months

Assembling turbine components begins on-shore. As tower foundations are completed, turbines are installed and brought online to maximize efficiency and begin delivering wind energy electricity to Delaware quickly.

Community outreach

On-going

NRG Bluewater Wind continues information sessions to keep the public informed of progress and address any questions that come up during construction.

Operations, Maintenance And Decommissioning

Key Milestones

Time Frame

Maintenance

On-going

Wind turbines require minimal upkeep, typically less than 48 hours per year. A small operations center at a nearby port facility is utilized.

Decommissioning

Before construction begins, firm provisions are made for decommissioning at the end of the project's useful life- approximately 25 years

During the planning process and as a permitting requirement, provisions are put in place to remove the turbines at the end of their useful life, regardless of who owns the turbines at that time.

Local Authorities

To be participant in NEPA/State review

Municipalities with potential visible impacts

Local communities transited by onshore cable route

Building permits as required

State Regulations, Permits & Approvals

DNREC- State Environmental Review (associated with NEPA)

Coastal Zone Act Status Decision

Coastal Zone Act Permit

Coastal Federal Consistency Certification

Subaqueous lands permits and leases

Wetlands permit

Section 401 Water Certification

NPDES Storm Water Permit

Air Quality Permits

DNREC- Div. of Fish and Wildlife

DNREC- Div of Parks and Recreation

Beach Preservation Act of 1972

Delaware PSC

DE River Basin Commission

DE Heritage Commission

DE Economic Development Office

DE Energy Office

DelDOT

Federal Regulations and Reviews

Energy Policy Act 2005

Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972

Rivers and Harbors Acts of 1890 and 1899

Clean Water Act of 1977

Navigation and Navigable Waters

Federal Aviation Administration

National Environmental Policy Act

Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974

Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1958

Endangered Species Act of 1973

Estuary Protection Act

Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act

US Coast Guard

Marine Mammal Protection Act

Magneson-Stevens Conservation and Management Act

Migratory Bird Treaty Act

Abandoned Shipwreck Act

Approval for Private Aids to Navigation

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