The environmental charity Greenrock is to host a public forum with expert panellists discussing offshore wind power potential in Bermuda.

The group has enlisted a British engineering company, BVG Associates, to help it to conduct feasibility studies. The event, on Friday, July 22, will feature Chris Worboys, the charity’s director and project lead, and Bruce Valpy, managing director and founder of BVG Associates.

A spokesman for the charity said: “Greenrock is working hard to produce the industry standard data required to accelerate the deployment of affordable renewable energy, and because offshore wind and solar have consistently been identified as the most mature renewable energy technologies, we recognise just how important it is for us to determine how these technologies can help us provide the sustainable, low carbon energy system our island needs.”

Working with BVG Associates, Greenrock has identified a series of studies and reports to be conducted including a review of work carried out to date in this area locally with a comparison with offshore wind industry practice. This study has been completed and is available via www.greenrock.org.

The spokesman added: “The goal of the forum is to discuss the data from the study that has been completed, present initial results from the second study exploring the cost of energy from offshore wind, answer questions about the project, explain how this research initiative can be used to accelerate renewable energy deployment in Bermuda, and share information about the funding required to complete the studies that have been planned in a timely fashion.”

The forum takes place at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute from 12pm to 2pm. Anyone interested in attending should e-mail info@greenrock.org or call 747-7625.