Case | HBS Case Collection | 2008 (Revised from original 2008 version)

Cape Wind: Offshore Wind Energy in the USA

Abstract

Cape Wind is an extreme example of NIMBY--not in my backyard syndrome. This is the first offshore wind project planned for the United States, in Nantucket Sound, just south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Initially proposed six years ago, in 2001, the wind farm would be visible from Hyannis port and Osterville, two affluent communities. The coastal residents of those towns have led a campaign in Massachusetts and in Congress to thwart the efforts of Cape Wind. This case introduces the global wind industry, the rationale for wind, and then carefully reviews the various issues associated with the project.

Keywords: Renewable Energy; Corporate Entrepreneurship; Business Startups; Projects; Government and Politics; Environmental Sustainability; Business and Community Relations; Public Opinion; Power and Influence; Energy Industry; Massachusetts;

Format: Print

26 pages

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Citation:

Vietor, Richard. "Cape Wind: Offshore Wind Energy in the USA." Harvard Business School Case 708-022, May 2008. (Revised from original January 2008 version.)

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