Wind Power News: Texas
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.
Appraisers following suit over power-line easement valuation
A suit challenging the Gillespie Central Appraisal District’s valuation of a new electrical line through the Hill Country holds tax implications for other power corridors statewide. Plaintiff Horse Hollow Generation Tie LLC , a Florida power company subsidiary, is fighting the $14.3 million taxable value that the district put on easements in Gillespie County that the firm obtained for the 345-kilovolt line that went into service in late 2009. The line carries energy generated by wind farms from Taylor County . . .
Wind energy transmission costs balloon to $7B
The Public Utility Commission of Texas issued its latest quarterly report last week on the progress of wiring West Texas to deliver wind energy to metropolitan areas, and it shows the project first estimated to cost ratepayers downstate $5 billion will now run closer to $7 billion. Projects in the Texas Panhandle also are costing more with Sharyland Utilities estimating its share at $634 million for 295 miles of transmission lines compared to the original $393 million for 253 miles, . . .
French firm purchases $322M wind farm project west of Vega
A planned wind farm just west of Vega with an estimated construction cost of about $300 million now belongs to a company with international energy holdings. Austin-based Cielo Wind Power and enXco, owned by a French company but headquartered in San Diego, Calif., announced the sale Wednesday of the Spinning Spur Wind Ranch, to be located about 30 miles west of Amarillo. “We sold 100 percent of our interest, but we will be the construction manager,” said Cielo president and . . .
Preparations continue for energy project
RAYMONDVILLE — Heavy machinery is being used for road construction and site preparation for giant windmill towers being built by E.ON Climate & Renewables of Austin. Construction began in mid-November on a site east of Raymondville, where 112 Vestas V100 1.8-megawatt wind turbines will be installed by the end of 2012, E.ON spokesman Matthew Tulis said. The project is separate from the Duke Energy wind farm, which will have 171 turbines and also has a completion date of late 2012. . . .
Texas comptroller made the right call on wind turbines
RE: Comptroller’s office recommends school district not approve tax incentives (12/28) Texas Comptroller Susan Combs is a beacon of courage and integrity in a sea of state and federal politicians mostly bent on winning re-election. Her decision to oppose Chapter 313 funding for E. On Climate and Renewables’ Petronila Wind Farm was based on a financial comparison of economic benefits from the wind farm and Naval Air Station Kingsville. She reasoned that the Navy’s concern with electromagnetic interference from the . . .
Pantex wind farm project will enter bid phase soon
After more than two years of wrangling, a wind farm fully capable of powering the Pantex Plant is slated for public bids early this year. About three years ago, Pantex officials agreed with Texas Tech University to research the feasibility of building a wind farm at the plant, which uses seven megawatts of power every day purchased from Xcel Energy. That racks up an annual electric bill of more than $4 million for the Carson County nuclear weapons facility. Xcel . . .
Construction of Willacy County wind farm to start soon
RAYMONDVILLE — Construction of 171 wind turbines to generate 400 megawatts of electricity in Willacy County will begin in late January or early February, a Duke Energy spokesman said. As many as 300 people will be hired, said Milton R. Howard, Duke Energy vice president for wind development. A job fair will be scheduled sometime in January, he said. “We’re going to hire as many local people as we can,” he said. “That will include laborers and small businesses.” Earth-moving . . .
Keller district campus is plenty green, but what about that wind turbine?
The story behind a story is often more interesting, but too often, we forget to ask questions needed to learn it. An example: The Keller school district is rightfully proud of its energy-efficient Timberview Middle School off Old Denton Road in Fort Worth. With its fruit and vegetable garden, geothermal heating and air conditioning, rooftop solar panels, white roof to absorb less heat, and waterless urinals, the year-old structure is billed as a school of the future. Accolades have rolled . . .
Comptroller’s office recommends school district not approve tax incentives for Petronila wind farm project
PETRONILA — The developer of a wind farm in Nueces County could scrap the project after the Texas Comptroller’s office recommended a local school district not approve tax incentives for the developer. The comptroller’s analysis said wind turbines could cause the Navy to shutter its base in Kingsville, leading to major job losses. “We’re evaluating (the comptroller’s analysis) right now,” said Patrick Woodson, chief development officer for E. On Climate and Renewables, which wants to erect more than 80 wind . . .
City of Abilene loosens regulations to allow more wind energy units in town
Abilenians could have more opportunities to install personal windmills to generate electricity for their businesses, if the city follows through with plans it initiated. On Monday the Planning & Zoning Commission approved an ordinance to amend the city’s Land Development Code and change the regulations for where wind energy converters — wind turbines used to generate electricity for single buildings — can be installed within city limits. The issue will go before the Abilene City Council, with a public hearing . . .
