Windmills powered life for settlers of New Amsterdam, and the city’s seal even features 17th c. windmill blades. To meet renewable power goals, NY State is developing offshore wind farms, returning to an energy source used 400 years ago.
Windmills powered life for settlers of New Amsterdam, and the city’s seal even features 17th c. windmill blades. To meet renewable power goals, NY State is developing offshore wind farms, returning to an energy source used 400 years ago.
In the 1600s, sawmills and gristmills built by Dutch colonists could be found across Manhattan, then known as Nieuw Amsterdam, producing power to grind wheat into flour. A homage to this time, the New York City seal, dated 1664, features the blades of a windmill at its center.
Wind power remains a free and renewable energy source that produces no greenhouse gases or pollution. Additionally, there is no water in the generating process, unlike other power sources. Wielding the power of the wind is one of many ways to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.
Today, New York State is developing offshore wind farms that will power millions of homes. Within 10 years, energy generated by wind will provide 70% of the state’s electrical power. By 2040, New York State aims to produce 100% carbon-free power, an ambitious goal achievable only with wind power.