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.
Repairs under way to big lakefront generator
CONNEAUT — A blade on the lakefront wind turbine blasted by lightning this past summer was replaced over the weekend, but there’s no timetable for the big machine’s return to service, officials said Tuesday. Contractors working on behalf of NexGen Energy of Boulder, Colo., quickly removed the scorched blade and affixed a new one in a procedure ably assisted by a gigantic crane, according to reports. Work began late last week, continued through the weekend and into the first part . . .
Repairs to wind turbine under way, says manager
CONNEAUT — A wind turbine knocked out of service by a lightning bolt this past summer should cranking out electricity again by the end of the year, said City Manager Timothy Eggleston. Repairs began Monday on the 400-kilowatt turbine that provides some of the electricity used at the city’s waste water treatment plant, Eggleston said. Completion depends on the weather, but the turbine should be spinning sometime this month, he said. “Within the next two or three weeks it will . . .
Windfall won’t be for electric customers
Clarification is needed for the article “Wind farm windfall.” The windfall is highly significant for the foreign developer and only temporary for the county. Each farm receives tens of millions of dollars in subsidies and the average life of a turbine is 10 years, although the developers tell you closer to 20. Because the operating and maintenance costs per turbine are three times higher than what the developers report, once the turbine becomes too expensive to maintain, it will be . . .
Company considering Auglaize County wind farm
BUCKLAND — A multinational company is considering building a wind farm in Auglaize County, an economic development official confirmed Wednesday. U.S. Mainstream Renewable Power Inc. has completed preliminary studies for a 100-megawatt project in portions of Duchouquet, Logan and Moulton townships in north central Auglaize County, said Gregory Myers, president of Wapakoneta Area Economic Development Council. Mainstream is discussing lease opportunities with landowners and whether their properties are appropriate for wind turbine development, Myers said. The company will continue its . . .
County gets proposal for wind project
JEFFERSON — Commissioners have assigned to an independent committee the task of reviewing the sole proposal for a wind energy project at county-owned property in Kingsville Township. The county put out a request for proposals earlier this month and the opening was held last week. Board Chairman Daniel Claypool said the county received only one formal proposal for the project, which would supply a portion of the electricity needed to run the Ashtabula County Nursing Home and Board of Developmental . . .
Growing pains
If wind power is to achieve its potential in the western Lake Erie region, the wind industry must concede the risks such generation poses and address them sensitively. Denial and rationalization will work to the industry’s detriment. BP — yes, the company responsible for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill — appears to understand the importance of candor by the wind industry. David van Hoogstraten, BP Wind Energy’s director of policy and regulatory affairs for North America, stated during a . . .
FAA report questions 63 proposed wind turbine sites
A recent Federal Aviation Administration ruling could prove a serious obstacle to wind energy development in the Blissfield area. A study by the FAA found that 63 wind turbine sites proposed by developer Juwi Wind are “presumed hazards” due to their proximity to Toledo Express Airport. An Oct. 21 letter from FAA representative Michael Blaich to Juwi reads, “Initial findings of this study indicate that the structure as described exceeds obstruction standards and/or would have an adverse physical or electromagnetic . . .
Status of some wind turbine sites changes
ADRIAN, Mich. — Officials with one of the companies hoping to build wind turbines in southeast Lenawee County are evaluating the impact of a recent FAA finding that 63 proposed sites could disrupt operations at Toledo Express Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration recently issued notices of presumed hazard for 63 of the locations proposed by Juwi Wind, an energy company based in Germany with a U.S. headquarters in Boulder, Colo. Another 14 sites were given a green light. Michael Blaich, . . .
County eyes ‘green energy zone’
FREMONT — Sandusky County Commissioners were asked Thursday to consider designating the county as an “alternative energy zone,” which leaders hope would draw a $400 million wind farm project to the area. The distinction would give tax breaks to alternative energy facilities that build projects in the county. County Administrator Warren Brown said he is developing a resolution for commissioners to consider, but doesn’t expect a decision to be made for a few weeks. Commissioners said they want feedback from . . .
Lenawee County wind turbine proposal could interfere with airport safety
Lenawee County wind developers have recently experienced an obstacle in their wind turbine proposal. Plans for the turbines are to locate the project less than 13 nautical miles from the Toledo Express airport’s radar, which causes safety problems. The turbines would cause electromagnetic interference on the airspace, and would be a hazard to air navigation. The Interstate Informed Citizens Coalition, which has been fighting for tighter restrictions on the turbines, says that this affects 63 of 80 proposed turbines in . . .
