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 are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Between lines on Savoy wind energy project denial
SAVOY – No. That was the answer that came Wednesday, when proponents of a commercial wind venture sat expectantly on folding chairs in the Savoy firehouse, hoping to salvage a project underway since 2005. No building permit. But it might not be the end of a debate during which Savoy residents first embraced, then rejected, the idea of hosting turbines in their town. A decade passed between those two positions. When asked whether he will fight the decision in court, Steven . . . Complete story »
Wind forum comments reveal community divide
L’ANSE – Renewable Energy Systems (RES) hosted another informational meeting at L’Anse High School on its proposed wind farm project Wednesday night, displaying visual representations of what the wind farm might look like from six locations around Keweenaw Bay, as well as a preliminary map of the locations of the 49 wind turbines. Sean Stocker from RES said the placement was designed to “meet and exceed” current L’Anse Township zoning. The height of the proposed turbines, a Siemens S129 model, would . . . Complete story »
A sharp slap of reality
Maple Ridge wind farm, owned by Spanish firm Iberdrola, is still a long way from its 20th year of operation, which will arrive in 2026. However, its payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement expires in 2021. And Avangrid, owned by Iberdrola, has initiated discussions with the county and the towns harboring towers to create a new PILOT that will take over in 2021 and, presumably, carry through another 15 years – to 2036. Iberdrola, owner of Avangrid in the U.S. which owns the Maple Ridge . . . Complete story »
Consultants will help Barre navigate Article 10 process for Heritage Wind
Residents met with consultants hired by the Town of Barre to assist the town in reviewing and responding to a preliminary scoping statement filed by Apex Clean Energy. The company is proposing a 200-megawatt project that could include 47 wind turbines. Apex hasn’t detailed the size of the turbines, but they could top 500 to 600 feet high in the eastern and southern portions of the town. As part of the PSS, Apex needs to provide $350 for each proposed . . . Complete story »
County seeks to reduce wind farm’s boundaries
A request to approve a reinvestment zone and an abatement for Peyton Creek Wind Farm was tabled after a lengthy public hearing at the Matagorda County Commissioners Court regular meeting Monday, July 16. County Attorney Denise Fortenberry told the court the abatement decision hinged upon the court’s determination that the wind farm would create jobs and bring more revenue to the county in the designated area. Noting other property owners in the proposed reinvestment zone, Fortenberry pointed out that they . . . Complete story »
The heatwave has caused a wind drought with wind farms producing 40% less energy this summer
A lack of wind in the UK this month has caused many of the country’s wind turbines to slow down. Wind energy output across the UK is down 40% from the same time last year, according to a study at Imperial College London. This is despite the fact that more turbines have been built in the interim. Dr Robert Gross looked at data for the Wales, England and Scotland, and found that wind turbines have generated around 2-3 gigawatts. During . . . Complete story »
Survey for Barre wind project so far shows half respondents support Heritage Wind
Recent town meetings have included many outspoken critics of a proposed wind energy project in the Town of Barre. Residents have shared their concerns that up to 47 wind turbines will cause property values to plummet, while endangering wildlife, damaging town roads, blighting the landscape and causing other negative impacts. But there is support for the project. The town is doing a survey of residents and property owners and the 120 responses so far show about half of the respondents . . . Complete story »
Transmission line is ‘game changer’ for AEP’s $4.5B Wind Catcher, Texas PUC chair says
Dive Brief: Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO) is preparing additional information to present to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) in an effort to win regulatory approval for its massive $4.5 billion investment in an Oklahoma wind farm. The 2,000 MW Wind Catcher Energy Connection project proposed by SWEPCO, a subsidiary of American Electric Power, came under scrutiny from the PUCT earlier this week as the regulators questioned the prudence of putting such a large investment on ratepayers, particularly . . . Complete story »
Concerned citizens confront DTE on wind turbines
BRANCH COUNTY – DTE Energy presented, to the Branch County Commission, its plans for creation of a 50 to 70 turbine wind farm in parts of four northwest townships during the Thursday work session. The presentation was met with a 15 minute rebuttal from Pam Reed, spokesperson for an opposition group, Concerned Citizens of Branch County,whose members carried placards outside the Branch County Courthouse and filled the commission’s small meeting room. County Commission Chairman Ted Gordon made certain they understood the . . . Complete story »
Kuntz: Are wind turbines worth it?
In his Wednesday, July 11 column on wind power in North Iowa, Merlin Bartz chose to highlight what he perceives as positives of the wind energy industry. There are both pros and cons. Construction of a wind power facility creates a lot of jobs for road work, excavation, and cement hauling, but they are temporary. The specialized work of installing the turbines is typically done by people the turbine manufacturer brings in from outside of the community. After the turbines . . . Complete story »
