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.
Coastal-wind deal canceled
The European financial crisis has apparently reached all the way to the Texas coast. Earlier this week, a Spanish company planning to expand its wind farm in Kenedy County scrapped its idea, according to Austin Energy, which had planned to buy up to 200 megawatts of the expanded facility’s generating capacity. The company informed Austin Energy it won’t sign the contract it had negotiated with the city. “The deal we had, we don’t have now,” said Michael Osborne, who negotiated . . .
Feds order full environmental study for wind farm proposal
The Baryonyx Corporation’s proposed South Texas offshore wind farm project will be subject to a full Environmental Impact Statement, according to a decision by the Galveston District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The alternative would have been for the USACE to settle for a less stringent Environmental Assessment. Austin-based Baryonyx, which submitted permit applications to the USACE in June, announced the agency’s decision late last month. The company has proposed developing offshore wind leases off South Padre Island and Nueces . . .
Senator asks electricity regulators to trim wind power line project
A key state senator asked the Public Utility Commission to trim a $6.9 billion project to build transmission lines to accommodate more West Texas wind power as the cost of renewable energy shifts. Sen. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay, said he sent a message to the executive director of the commission earlier this week asking the PUC to reevaluate the project, originally estimated to cost $5 billion. “There are actually two problems here. One is, the cost associated with it is . . .
Truck loses its load in Rhome
The exit for Farm Road 3433 off of U.S. 287 North in Rhome will be closed until late Tuesday after a tractor-trailer lost its load on the exit ramp about 10:30 a.m. The truck was hauling part of a wind turbine to Coleman, and as the driver exited 287, the trailer “snapped.” The 131,000-pound part rolled from the trailer and next to the railroad tracks. There were no other vehicles involved and no injuries.
Bishop CISD rejects wind farm
In a meeting Thursday, the Bishop Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees declined to approve tax zoning that would have helped pave the way for a new wind farm near Petronila. The board debated for more than an hour whether to establish a re-investment zone for the proposed wind farm. You must be an online subscriber to view this story. The full version of this story will be available to all readers after 90 days.
Bats getting caught in Texas wind turbines
In 2009, Dr. Amanda Hale, assistant professor of biology at TCU, took on a research project to study the effects of wind power on birds and bats. The study is being done at Wolf Ridge Wind, a 75-turbine wind farm about 90 miles north of Fort Worth in Cooke County. The 5-year project is being funded by NextEra Energy Resources, the largest developer of wind energy in the U.S. Hale, who has PhD in ecology with an emphasis in ornithology, . . .
Wind-power industry hopes to keep subsidy; Production tax credit is set expire at end of 2012
WASHINGTON — The wind-power industry is pushing to get its favorite federal subsidy extended amid concerns that the program’s expiration next year could halt the expansion of the fastest-growing renewable electricity source in the U.S. For nearly two decades, wind power has benefited from the production tax credit, a federal incentive providing 2.2 cents per kilowatt-hour to companies for new wind capacity for the first 10 years it’s online. The industry says the credit has helped wind account for 35 . . .
Clean Line wins public utility status in Oklahoma
An 800-mile power line project expected to spur $14 billion in clean energy development in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas is one step closer to reality. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission on Friday granted public utility status to Clean Line Energy, which plans to build a $3.5 billion transmission line across the state to carry wind power to Tennessee. Commissioners said the investor-financed project will be a boon to the state. “Oklahoma’s abundant wind resources provide the possibility of additional income from . . .
Wildlife, offshore wind turbines a bad mix
I have fished Padre Island for 53 years and have been the only licensed fishing guide and naturalist providing tours on the National Seashore for the past 22 years. On average I am down island about 128 days per year. I am the founder of the Big Shell Beach Cleanup and have been its primary organizer for the past 17 years. During that time, 2.3 million pounds of debris has been removed by this volunteer effort. In 2010, I was . . .
Bayfront wind turbines can’t keep a pace; Salt, wind take spin out of devices
CORPUS CHRISTI — Four wind turbines in a bayfront plaza that opened more than a year ago can’t keep a steady, rotating pace. The salt, wind and harsh conditions have taken their toll, causing the wind turbines to quit working, Assistant City Engineer Kevin Stowers said. “We did not anticipate they would have problems that quickly,” Stowers said. “Of course, the bayfront is difficult for mechanical equipment because of the salty air.” The engineering department first noticed problems with the . . .
