Photo: Wind Farm
Texas Offshore Pilot Research Project
Texas Offshore Pilot Research Project
A pilot offshore wind farm, the Texas Offshore Pilot Research Project (TOPP) has been conceived by Baryonyx and would potentially comprise of between three to five multi-megawatt offshore wind turbines and a meteorological data gathering facility. Baryonyx has been in discussion, and received support for the concept, from United States Army Corps of Engineers, State Authorities, academic institutions and prospective supply side parties. The intent of such a project would be to evaluate turbine and substructure technology whilst providing valuable data on the environmental impacts of offshore wind generation in the Gulf of Mexico to inform the Permitting process.
The TOPP project could be located in either the Mustang or one of the Rio Grande lease sites. Its size, short-term duration and research benefits would allow it to qualify for a Permit in a much shorter time frame than a full development. Data and results arising from operation of the TOPP would be of considerable benefit to the more comprehensive Permitting process required for the larger developments, and the TOPP would be incorporated within the extended Permit process to allow it to become part of the full project once constructed.
