Wind Watch: Industrial Wind Energy 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 do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch. They are the products of and owned by the organizations or individuals noted and are shared here according to “fair use” and “fair dealing” provisions of copyright law.
County Council leading fight to preserve home rule
The Indiana General Assembly is often referred to as a “citizens’ legislature.” For years, state law has embodied a Dorothy Gale-like “no place like home” mindset, with “home rule” in place to let local governments determine their own fates whenever practical. But there is a gale of another kind swirling at the Statehouse these days regarding jurisdiction over wind and solar projects. Last week, Henry County Council member Betsy Mills urged everyone not to take cover, but take action. Mills . . . Complete story »
State, counties clash over solar and wind regulations
County planning commissioners across the state, including here in northeast Indiana, have grown concerned in recent weeks over a state bill centered on solar and wind energy regulations. The bill in question is H.B. 1381, which passed the Indiana House by a vote of 58-to-38 in mid-February. H.B. 1381 establishes statewide standards for commercial wind and solar energy projects. Local permit authorities, such as a planning commission, would not be able to impose more stringent restrictions that are listed in . . . Complete story »
Apex announces Jayhawk Wind sale to power Facebook facility in Nebraska
Facebook’s involvement in the deal was news to county government officials on Monday. “This is the first I’m hearing about it,” County Counselor Jim Emerson said. “I’d think maybe they’d tell us,” he added. “I don’t know if they’re obligated to.” Commissioner Tom Moody said Monday he “absolutely” thinks Apex should have told the Crawford County government about the change in Jayhawk project’s ownership before making a public announcement. “I would think we would be one of the first calls they would make,” Moody said. Complete story »
Winnebago County Supervisors study wind project prior to permit application
After receiving a petition from residents in Norway Township near Lake Mills last month, Winnebago County Supervisors are investigating all sides of siting and other issues for Invenergy’s coming Worthwhile Wind project. On Feb. 23, supervisors heard first from Winnebago County Zoning Administrator Matt Duve about the wind turbine permitting process and this particular project. Next, they discussed the wind project slated for Worth and Winnebago counties with Invenergy Renewable Energy Development Manager Mark Crowl, who is project lead developer. . . . Complete story »
Commission tables decision on hiring negotiator for potential wind farms
The Brown County Commission met Monday morning and among items discussed was potentially hiring a negotiator to work with any wind farms that may approach Brown County. Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill presented a resume and letter of interest from attorney James Neeld, who worked as a negotiator for Nemaha County as they created agreements with wind farms. Hill advised the commissioners consider Neeld’s proposal and have a negotiator on hand at such a time wind farms might potentially approach . . . Complete story »
Bid for wind farm on Borders boundary faces opposition from council planning committee
A proposed wind farm which would incorporate the tallest turbines ever seen in the Borders faces official council opposition. Cheshire-based Community Wind Power Ltd want to build a 45-turbine wind farm at Faw Side, six miles north of Langholm and 15 miles south-west of Hawick. The company says the scheme, capable of generating 315mw of green electricity, would bring investment of £256m into the region. But members of the council’s planning and building standards committee today, Monday, March 1, followed . . . Complete story »
Faw Side wind farm opposed by Scottish Borders Council
Councillors in the Borders have agreed to oppose plans for a 45-turbine wind farm stretching from their region into Dumfries and Galloway. Community Windpower says its Faw Side scheme near Langholm could meet the energy needs of 325,000 homes. Scottish Borders Council’s planning committee was told a “gateway into Scotland” was not the right place to site the project. It agreed to object but the final say will lie with the Scottish government. Planning officials had recommended that the council . . . Complete story »
Moyne Shire councillors reject push for noise testing at Ryan Corner wind farm site
A south-west council won't pay to do noise testing at a second wind farm site, despite agreeing months earlier to test the Hawkesdale Wind Farm. Moyne Shire councillors voted 1-6 not in favour of Cr Jim Doukas' push for council-paid contractors to do independent noise testing at the Ryan Corner Wind Farm site, near Port Fairy, before construction begins. Councillors had voted narrowly 4-3 to approve independent testing at the Hawkesdale Wind Farm in December but three councillors voted differently . . . Complete story »
Large renewable energy plant mooted for Dorset Council land
More than 12,000 comments were submitted by businesses and residents as part of the consultation on Dorset Council’s Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy. This strategy, the council’s blueprint for becoming a carbon neutral authority by 2040, explores a number of topics including the construction of a large scale renewable energy installation on council-owned land. The document, part of a public consultation which ended earlier this year, will help form Dorset Council’s decisions and policies for years to come, civic officials . . . Complete story »
As wind industry goes big, this New England startup looks to shrink turbines
Skyscraper-high blades are increasingly standard on wind farms, but Pecos Wind Power thinks its small, distributed turbines will be a better fit in Vermont. Vermont has had a contentious relationship with wind power – projects there have faced fierce local opposition over land use, aesthetics, and other concerns. A New England startup is betting its small turbines will be an easier sell in the state, offering a potential complement or alternative to rooftop solar but with a much lower profile than . . . Complete story »
