Wind Power News: Victories
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.
Marshall County first to ban wind farms
It’s believed that Marshall County today became the first county in Indiana to ban commercial wind farms within its borders. “It’s just our wildest dreams realized,” said Marabeth Levett, a supporter of the ban. “Marshall County is very densely populated compared to Benton, and White County where they’re seem to be living fairly well with them; but in Marshall County, farms are right next to homes.” The decision on the part of the Marshall County Board of Commissioners was unanimous. . . .
Villagers turn down proposal for community-owned wind turbine
Controversial plans for a community-owned wind turbine to help power Denholm and Ancrum are dead in the water. Around 80 locals packed into Denholm Village Hall last Thursday night to give the scheme – which was offered to the villages by local farmer Jim Shanks, whose original proposal for a 74m high turbine was thrown out by councillors last month – a resounding thumbs down. A two-hour presentation from Community Energy Scotland area development officer Andy Maybury failed to convince . . .
Planners refuse wind turbine near Workington
Plans to build a 253ft wind turbine just outside Workington have been refused by Allerdale council’s development panel. John Bowe wanted to erect the turbine at Hunday Farm, Winscales, but councillors unanimously refused the application. The agreed with the officer’s recommendation that insufficient evidence had been submitted to show that the proposed turbine would not affect air safety. National Air Traffic Services said the turbine could affect its radar equipment at Prestwick Centre air traffic control in Scotland. Workington Town . . .
Wind farm is blown away
Plans to erect four large wind turbines have been torn up after the developer concluded that the site near Hutton in the Merse Valley is unsuitable. Airvolution Energy has announced that it will not be proceeding with plans to develop the 126.5m turbines at Crossrig, 3km southwest of Hutton. The news has been greeted with relief by the Lamberton and Mordington Action Group. Airvolution expressed interest in the Crossrig site in November 2012, prompting concern across the Merse Valley that . . .
Militants stop 396MW Marena project in Mexico
Militant opposition in Mexico’s Oaxaca region has caused the 396MW Marena Renovables project, one of the largest projects in Latin America, to be postponed. In a statement, Vestas said opposition groups were impeding access to the site. As a result, the project’s lenders have agreed to delay forebearance agreement until 20 July, with the likelihood it could be extended further if certain milestones are hit. Vestas has agreed to extend until 30 November. The delay does not affect its guidance . . .
Locals hail refusal of Govals Farm windfarm plan
Angus residents turned out in force to welcome planning refusal for a six-turbine windfarm. Refusal of the 4.8MW proposal for land at Govals Farm, near Forfar and the A90, was backed by councillors on Tuesday in front of a full house on the public benches. Farmer David Cooper and consultants Green Cat Renewables planned a development north-west of the Kincaldrum farm, between 1km and 2.7km west of the dual carriageway. However, a meeting of the development standards committee took an . . .
Turbines plan turned down
The controversial plan to build 10 giant wind turbines on a prominent site on the Yorkshire Wolds was vetoed by Ryedale councillors last night. RWE Npower Renewable Ltd wanted to erect the 126 metre high structures at LKing Hall Farm, West heslerton, but more than 80 people attending the District Council’s planning committee, held at Norton College, heard repeatedly from councillors and objectors who addressed the committee, that they would damage the landscape. The committee rejected the plans by 9 . . .
“Victoria para Culebra” cancelación del parque eólico
El alcalde de Culebra, Iván Solís, catalogó como una victoria para su municipio el anuncio del próximo retiro del proyecto que contemplaba el establecimiento de un parque eólico en los terrenos de la Playa Flamenco, foco turístico y económico de esa isla municipio. “Estamos sumamente contentos porque se logró el objetivo del pueblo. Este era un proyecto que había que evaluarlo en su totalidad. Pero tenía el potencial de dañar el ambiente y el paisaje”, dijo el alcalde, en entrevista . . .
Knockworthy Farm turbine refused at appeal
A decision by Torridge District Council to refuse an application for a 45m turbine in Huntshaw has been upheld at appeal. In August, the application for the 50kw turbine at Knockworthy Farm was refused by the council due to the adverse visual impact on the surrounding landscape. An appeal was lodged by the applicant in October on the grounds the turbine’s impact on the surrounding countryside was ‘acceptable’ and that any harm in this respect would be outweighed by the . . .
Flamenco wind farm a no-go
The developer behind a five-turbine wind farm on a Caribbean island outcrop pertaining to Puerto Rico has scrapped the project following sustained opposition from local residents. Punta Flamenco Windfarm Inc. has officially withdrawn the application from government regulators, according to an announcement from governor Alejandro García Padilla. The development had received resistance from locals and conservationists due to its proximity to a nature reserve and Flamenco beach (pictured) on Culebra island, a tourism hotspot. The island is located some 27 . . .
