Wind Power News: Rhode Island
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.
Deepwater releases critical issues analysis for shorter cable route
Last week Deepwater Wind publicly released the report that helped sway the offshore wind farm company into planning on a much longer route for the undersea transmission cable that will link its five-turbine project to the mainland power grid. The cable, which will be owned by National Grid, is expected to cost $40 million to $50 million. A direct north-south route from the Block Island-based substation to mainland Rhode Island would have taken the cable into Charlestown. But Deepwater is . . .
State permits mean uncharted waters ahead for Deepwater
It’s going to be a year of paper pushing, information gathering and public hearings for Deepwater Wind, the Providence-based company planning a $250 million project: a five-turbine wind farm three miles off Block Island’s southern shore, plus a submarine electric transmission cable to link it to National Grid. The company is at the start of its permitting process. Already submitted are applications to New Shoreham Planning and Zoning Boards for a substation at Block Island Power Company and buried transmission . . .
Taxing the wind?
What’s the wind turbine at Shalom Apartments worth and whether it should be taxed were questions raised at last Wednesday’s City Council meeting. There was consensus that the turbine should not be taxed, although Ward 4 Councilman Joseph Solomon raised the issue whether it should be treated as a tax abatement or exemption, a matter that is being researched before the council acts. City Tax Collector and Assessor Kenneth Mallette said yesterday that the turbines, as well as other “green” . . .
New England transmission debated as generation additions continue
New England’s policies supporting building increased renewable generation is underpinning pressure to invest in new transmission infrastructure in the region, with advocates for new power lines saying the projects will boost employment and alleviate existing high regional electricity costs. Each of the six states in the New England region has “some form” of renewable energy portfolio standard, the organizers of the New England Clean Energy Transmission Summit held this week in Boston, said. Those state policies align with federal policies . . .
New rules could boost New England renewable power
New England is decidedly short on coal mines and oil wells, but electricity grid watchers say a recent federal order could help the region finally unlock the power in the energy sources it does have. A federal order issued last fall is intended to make it easier to construct transmission lines, costly and controversial projects that are notoriously tough to build. More wires are badly needed in New England to connect customers to the region’s often remote sources of renewable . . .
Deepwater substation could land on BIPCo property
The Planning Board held a public hearing Wednesday on an application by Deepwater Wind to construct a substation on either the property of the Block Island Power Company or the adjacent Estate of Marjorie McGinnes (Plat 17, Lots 35, 36, 37, 38, 40). The substation would connect a cable coming from Deepwater’s proposed five-turbine wind farm to the island electrical grid and to the submarine cable connecting the island to the mainland. Deepwater presented two options. The first (site A) . . .
Safe Way Auto’s wind turbine shut down for now
BRISTOL — There are problems with the wind turbine that was just installed at Safe Way Auto Center on Gooding Avenue. While the turbine’s engineers and manufacturer are working on what exactly is wrong, the turbine will remain shut down. Last weekend, the blades were taken off and all loose parts shrink-wrapped to the tower to keep anything from whipping around in the wind. According to those involved in the project, an electrical system was not handling the power generated . . .
Potential wind farm in Tiverton could benefit Bristol, Warren
The potential construction of a wind farm in Tiverton could bring Bristol and Warren revenue from the sale of electricity A workshop has been scheduled for Jan. 30 with the nine towns, including Bristol and Warren, that make up the East Bay Energy Consortium (EBEC) to discuss a possible wind farm cooperative. The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. at the Tiverton Town Hall. On Tuesday, ecoRI reported that EBEC’s goal is to create a regional alternative energy source . . .
Tiverton wind farm co-op workshop set with East Bay Energy Consortium
The Tiverton Town Council voted 7-0 at their Monday night meeting to schedule a Jan. 30 workshop with the nine towns that make up the East Bay Energy Consortium (EBEC) to discuss the potential of a wind farm cooperative. The meeting takes place at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. On Tuesday, ecoRI reported that EBEC’s goal is to create a regional alternative energy source that make up its nine towns – Tiverton, Little Compton, Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport, Bristol, Warren, Barrington . . .
Barrington eyes small wind turbines
Small wind-energy systems, including vertical-axis wind turbines, could come to Barrington homes if the Town Council approves amendments to the zoning ordinances. Small-scale wind-energy systems, referred to as “wind turbines” by most manufacturers, could be placed on Barrington rooftops or in back yards with amendments being considered to the zoning ordinances. The Town Council will continue a public hearing on the “wind turbine” amendments and several others at its next meeting on Feb. 6. The amendments are recommended by the . . .
