Wind Power News: Ohio
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Lake Erie wind turbine project suffers setback
COLUMBUS — The coalition that aims to put wind turbines in Lake Erie suffered a setback today. The Ohio Third Frontier Commission voted not to provide up to $5 million to Lake Erie Energy Development Corp., or LEEDCo, a nonprofit that is helping guide the effort. LEEDCo planned to use the money as matching funds for a much larger pot of federal money that will be awarded to organizations working to build offshore wind farms. Much of the state money . . .
Wind turbine damage update expected
PAYNE – Inspectors continue their examination of turbine blades on a Paulding County wind farm that suffered a malfunction in April, which resulted in two blades shearing from a structure. All 55 turbines of the Timber Road II Wind Farm in Benton Township remain still. They were shut down April 24 after two blades from one tower were damaged during high winds. It is thought that the wind speeds were not a factor in the mishap. To read the rest . . .
Siemens Energy interested in Lake Erie wind turbine project
The development company formed to build a pilot wind farm in Lake Erie is switching to smaller, more efficient turbines, a move that could make the project more practical. The idea is to whittle down the construction cost in order to produce electricity that can be sold to utilities at a price closer to wholesale prices — or at least closer to price of power from land-based wind turbines, said Lorry Wagner, president of the nonprofit Lake Erie Energy Development . . .
$55M plan may double turbines
URBANA — A proposed $55 million development would double the number of turbines in a controversial Champaign County wind project, according to plans submitted Tuesday. The Buckeye II, the second phase of the Buckeye Wind Project, would include up to 56 new turbines and include about 100 landowners. EverPower Wind Holdings Inc.’s application to the Ohio Power Siting Board said construction could begin in 2013. Information from EverPower shows the project could have a $55 million economic impact on the . . .
Pickerington considering rules for wind-energy systems
The Pickerington City Council is considering legislation that would regulate the size and placement of turbines and other wind generating systems. If approved, the ordinance will require residents or commercial landowners to prepare design plans and obtain a conditional-use permit from the planning and zoning commission, and zoning and building permits from the city. The proposal also says tower-mounted wind systems could not be taller than 150 feet and could not produce noise levels higher than 55 decibels except during . . .
Council seeking wind energy regulations
Pickerington City Council last week took a step toward regulating local use of turbines and other wind-energy systems. Council May 1 unanimously approved the first reading of legislation to provide rules for where and how wind turbines and other systems which generate energy from wind can be used in Pickerington. According to city officials, the measure is an attempt to ensure public safety and reduce conflicts between people who might seek to employ energy-generating wind systems at their homes or . . .
No answers yet on damaged turbine blades
PAYNE – For now, the Timber Road II Wind Farm in Paulding County is silent except for investigators trying to determine exactly why two blades from a single turbine were damaged on a windy afternoon April 24. So far, the high winds do not appear to have caused the damage. EDP Renewables Vice President of Communications and Government Affairs Roby Roberts told the Times Bulletin on Friday that so far crews from turbine manufacturer Vestas have not been able to . . .
Kasich jabs at renewable-energy lobby
Gov. John Kasich yesterday offered his most-passionate defense of his proposal to include cogeneration as an acceptable form of renewable energy in Ohio. He did it by singling out wind- and solar-power lobbyists during yet another energy summit, this one hosted by the Washington-based newspaper The Hill at the Sheraton on Capitol Square. “All those who are in alternative energy and renewable standards believe in a cleaner environment, and that’s just fantastic,” Kasich said. “But don’t lobby for your own . . .
Major study underway in wind turbine accident
Two things have to happen in order for 55 wind turbines in the Timber Road Wind Farm to start operation again, according to Roby Roberts, vice president of communications, EDP Renewables. “Right now we’re not sure when we will be able to start up the wind farm,” said Roberts. “All of the blades need to be inspected. That’s three blades times 55 turbines. Turbines have been manufactured by Vesta Americas. The company has brought in blade inspectors that are trying . . .
Damaged wind turbine still under investigation
A wind turbine near Payne, Ohio is raising some concerns for nearby residents. Parts of the blades have fallen off. Huge chunks of debris from a wind turbine are scattered across a field near Payne, Ohio. So far no one including its owner knows what happened. People passing by have been trying to figure out the cause. “It could be some kind of design problem or it could be or another kind of a situation,” resident Robert Silliman said. A . . .
