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Wind Power News: January 2007
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch in its noncommercial educational effort 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.
N.C. weighs in on Ashe wind farm proposal
A proposed wind farm in Ashe County should not be allowed because it violates the state’s Ridge Law, the public staff of the N.C. Utilities Commission said yesterday. Also yesterday, State Attorney General Roy Cooper filed a notice he intends to intervene in the issue. The staff’s statement of position becomes part of the record as the six members of the Utilities Commission consider whether or not to approve an application to build 25 to 28 wind turbines in the . . . Complete story »
'Will our tourism be swept away?'
East Yorkshire’s tourist industry would be hit if huge wind turbines were built in the region, according to business owners. However, energy companies developing the wind farms have said the schemes could attract visitors to the area. The claims were made ahead of an East Riding Council planning committee meeting being held today. Councillors are considering three separate proposals to build wind turbines at Routh, near Beverley, Lissett, near Driffield, and Barmby-on-the-Marsh, close to Howden. Yesterday, the applicants for each . . . Complete story »
'We're delighted with the decision'
Residents are celebrating after plans for a wind farm near Beverley were thrown out. East Riding councillors unanimously rejected proposals to build a wind farm with 12 turbines up to 100 metres high at Routh, because of concerns they would spoil the views from Beverley Westwood. As reported on the Mail’s website yesterday, councillors voted against the scheme proposed by Ridgewind Limited amid fears views of Beverley Minster, in particular, would be ruined. Campaigners who fought against the plans said . . . Complete story »
Turbine backed despite villagers' fears
Granting consent for a wind turbine in a chocolate box hamlet could open the floodgates for similar developments across rural Suffolk, a parish council has claimed. Mid Suffolk District Council has given the go-ahead for a nine-metre turbine to generate renewable energy at the Willows, Dublin Road, Occold, despite strong objections from parish councillors who unanimously recommended refusal. They say the structure will ruin an unspoilt part of the village and query whether the decision was influenced by the planning . . . Complete story »
Energy plan requires use of more wind, renewable sources
The percentage of Michigan’s electricity that comes from wind and other renewable resources would nearly triple by 2015 under an energy plan submitted Wednesday to Gov. Jennifer Granholm. The proposal also outlines a roadmap to building a new coal-fired power plant within 8 years. “Michigan is going to need more power going forward into the 21st century,” said Michigan Public Service Commission J. Peter Lark, who created the plan. He said doing nothing – not requiring more renewable energy, building a . . . Complete story »
Xcel Energy Plans $210 Million Minnesota Wind Power Facility
Xcel Energy Inc., the biggest distributor of wind power in the U.S., said it plans to build a $210 million wind facility in Minnesota to meet rising demand for clean electricity. Xcel Energy, based in Minneapolis, currently distributes about 1,300 megawatts of wind power, with all but 25 megawatts procured from facilities owned by other electricity generators, Chief Financial Officer Ben Fowke said today. The planned wind power farm unveiled today would be able to generate up to 100 megawatts . . . Complete story »
More wind energy
Democrats last week announced legislation to help establish an energy co-op powered by two windfarms near Fort Peck and Molt. The wind farms would each cost about $16 million and generate 10 megawatts. The farms would have four or five windmills each, depending on how many people buy into the co-op and could be up and running within two years. “It’s not only good policy, it’s also good for the earth,” said the sponsor, Sen. Dave Wanzenried, D-Missoula. “If we . . . Complete story »
Vandals damage tower at crucial time
Windflow Technology’s efforts to sell New Zealand-made wind turbines to the world have been disrupted by vandalism at its Gebbies Pass site near Christchurch. A 30m-high wind-monitoring tower worth about $30,000 was found damaged beyond repair on Tuesday morning after two guy wires holding the lattice mast were undone, causing it to crash to the ground. Company spokeswoman Sheralee MacDonald said a gate across the access road had been torn off its hinges. “We think someone has gone up there . . . Complete story »
Wind co. president has hopes for bylaw
SAVOY – The president of Minuteman Wind LLC hopes to get a wind-turbine bylaw presented to voters by the annual town meeting May 9. President Donald S. McCauley Jr. said Tuesday night the company would be “starting the clock” on the process. The town has been working on a bylaw at least since early last summer. “What we’re really coming to announce is that we’re preparing to start a process to have a citizens’ petition to bring (the state Division of . . . Complete story »
Residents launch wind farm battle
Angry residents have joined together to protest against plans to build giant wind turbines near their homes. The Mail revealed earlier this month how energy company E.ON UK had applied to Sedgefield Borough Council to build 10 wind turbines at Butterwick Moor, north of the A689 and east of Sedgefield. If approved, the development would be built next door to the already-approved Walkway wind farm which will see a further seven turbines constructed. Around 50 locals have formed an action . . . Complete story »