Wind Power News: News
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.
Siemens expects charges due to wind-turbine glitch
MUNICH–German engineering and electronics company Siemens AG SI +1.07% said Monday it is facing charges to its earnings due to technical problems with wind turbines in the U.S. The charges will weigh on Siemens’ earnings in the fiscal third quarter, which ends on June 30, said a spokeswoman. Last year, Siemens’ net profit amounted to 923 million euros ($1.23 billion) in the April-to-June quarter. Siemens didn’t provide a specific figure, but J.P. Morgan estimates that the added costs amount to . . .
Hold fire on Dublin Bay wind farm, say councillors
A minister has been called on to delay a decision on a plan to construct up to 145 wind turbines in Dublin Bay. Labour politicians in Dublin and Wicklow have written to the Junior Environment Minister Jan O’Sullivan, who will decide whether to grant a foreshore licence for the €2bn development. The councillors, along with the Coastal Concern Alliance, have strong misgivings about the Dublin Array project. Electricity If given the go-ahead, renewable power firm Saorgus Energy would begin construction . . .
Public given last chance to comment on SMW MET tower application
MONTPELIER — The state’s Public Service Board (PSB) heard emotional testimony on Wednesday from opponents of Seneca Mountain Wind, LLC’s application to erect four temporary meteorological stations in Bright, Ferdinand and Newark. [rest of article available at source]
Focus on technology overlooks human behavior when addressing climate change
EUGENE, Ore. — (March 18, 2012) — Technology alone won’t help the world turn away from fossil fuel-based energy sources, says University of Oregon sociologist Richard York. In a newly published paper, York argues for a shift in political and economic policies to embrace the concept that continued growth in energy consumption is not sustainable. Many nations, including the United States, are actively pursuing technological advances to reduce the use of fossil fuels to potentially mitigate human contributions to climate-change. . . .
Zoning Board approves changes to wind energy ordinance
Pratt, Kan. — The Pratt County Planning Board approved proposed amendments to the Pratt County Zoning Ordinance Monday evening. The changes were proposed by British Petroleum (BP) for a specific commercial wind energy project, but will be in effect for all wind energy project special use applicants in the future, if they are adopted by the Pratt County commissioners. The proposed changes would make the application process a two-phase process instead of one as originally proposed. Applicants would have to . . .
Bluewater files for intervener status for Goshen Wind leave to Construct
The municipality will seek intervener status for Next Era’s leave to construct for the Goshen Wind Energy Centre. Since the municipality only had 10 days left to file for intervener status, Bluewater’s Chief Administrative Officer Steve McAuley, asked council how they wished to proceed with the leave to construct. “We need to deal with this notice because they come fast and fierce. It’s the nature of the beast,” said McAuley at the meeting. McAuley suggested to council that they seek . . .
Vestas debuts turbines for wind farms with moderate breezes
Vestas Wind Systems A/S (VWS), the turbine maker with the most installed machines, plans to sell two new devices to tap medium and low winds. The V100 and V110 2-megawatt turbines will allow customers to exploit a wider range of sites, Aarhus, Denmark-based Vestas said today in an e-mailed statement. They’re designed to replace the V90 and V100 1.8-megawatt units, Chief Technology Officer Anders Vedel said today in a telephone interview. “This step upwards gives a significant increase in electricity . . .
GE trims profit outlook on Europe weakness; stock slumps
General Electric Co warned of slowing profit growth in its industrial businesses due to weakness in Europe and sliding turbine sales, unnerving Wall Street and pushing its stock down in morning trading. The conglomerate, the world’s biggest maker of jet engines and electric turbines, said on Friday it expects industrial profit to rise by high single digits to double digits this year. Previously it had forecast double-digit growth. Chief Executive Jeff Immelt blamed slumping sales of wind turbines and gas . . .
Energy as dirty now as in 90s – IEA
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has said world leaders are failing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through their policies. Speaking at the Clean Energy Ministerial (CIM) in Delhi, India, IEA executive director Maria van der Hoeven said: “The drive to clean up the world’s energy system has stalled. Despite much talk by world leaders, and despite a boom in renewable energy over the last decade, the average unit of energy produced today is basically as dirty as it was 20 . . .
Vestas takes confidence blow as CFO departs
Danish wind turbine manufacturer Vestas said its chief financial officer (CFO) had stood down after less than a year in the post, dealing a blow to the company in its attempts to win back investor confidence. Vestas Wind Systems A/S has suffered several profit warnings as the wind power market takes a downturn, due to falling subsidies from cash-strapped governments, tough competition and global economic uncertainties. The company said in a statement on Monday CFO Dag Andresen would leave for . . .
