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Wind Power News: August 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.
Canada wind industry grows amid opposition storms
Canada’s fledgling wind power industry, late off the global starting blocks, has stumbled on growing local resistance to the idea of massive turbines dotting the country’s relatively unmarked landscape. Although polls show widespread support for the renewable energy source, a growing number of companies say that support quickly fades among those who must live alongside wind farms, leading to project delays and extra costs. “There are many opportunities for small, anti-wind groups to delay a project,” said Debbie Boukydis, spokeswoman . . . Complete story »
Objections to wind farm planned for Dolla
Proposals for a windfarm in the Dolla area have provoked objections from residents in the local community. North Tipperary County Council has granted permission with eleven conditions to Pat O’Donoghue to develop two turbines and an access road in the townlands of Boherlody, Lisgarriff West and Knockmeal. An appeal against the decision has been lodged with An Bord Pleanala by the residents of Boherlody and Lisgarriff West who are objecting to the proposed 80 metre high turbines. Residents say the . . . Complete story »
E.On plans wind farm as doubts grow over facilities
E.On is to bolster the growing number of wind farms situated off UK coastlines by building a facility five miles off the Humber estuary, one of the largest in the UK, as energy companies look to source more electricity from renewable resources to match Government targets for tackling climate change. The development comes amid criticism from some renewable energy organisations that many wind farms are not economically viable as many facilities are being located in inappropriate sites and thus do . . . Complete story »
Row blows up on wind farm locations
It was a claim that sent shockwaves through the wind-farm industry: the UK’s turbines are being built in the wrong place, far from the strong winds that would make them efficient sources of electricity. Wind farms attract controversy, wherever they are proposed, with strong opinions on both sides, but it appeared this latest claim was being made not by the usual anti-wind lobby but by an eminent figure within an international renewable energy group. At stake was the reputation of . . . Complete story »
Ceres action group lodges windfarm objection
An action group opposed to a windfarm near Ceres has lodged its formal objection. Ceres and District Environment and Amenity Protection Group said the culmulative effects of the windfarm development made the proposal unacceptable. Group chairman Graham Lang said the objection had been shaped by addressing planning policy, landscape concerns and visual and residential amenity. “The group has enjoyed the benefit of the input on planners experienced in dealing with windfarm applications, none of whom considered the site appropriate,” he . . . Complete story »
Under water cable halted
A decision to halt the scheme for an underwater sea cable from Kintyre to Hunterston Power Station in Ayrshire could spell the end of further wind farm development in Kintyre. It is also possible the move could stifle potential tide and wave energy development in the area in the future. This speculation comes after plans to reinforce the Kintyre electricity network by installing a 132,000 volt cable to Hunterston have been suspended. A consultation process for a possible project was . . . Complete story »
Special district wanted; Land owners file petition
Boone Pickens wants a special district that would give him the right to condemn property for his business projects. The Roberts County Commissioners Court will meet Tuesday to consider a petition filed by people affiliated with the Dallas businessman and Roberts County ranch owner’s Mesa Water and Mesa Power. The petition asks for the creation of a fresh water supply district that would cover eight acres owned by the people who submitted the petition. “I don’t know if we have . . . Complete story »
Villagers fight wind farm plans
Villagers are gearing up to protest against plans for a six-turbine wind farm at Tallentire. Renewable Energy Systems Ltd wants to build the 100-metre turbines at Hill Farm, between Tallentire and Gilcrux. It hopes to lodge a planning application with Allerdale council in the next few weeks. A public exhibition will be held next Thursday for people to see the plans and comment. Rod Coy is a member of pressure group Tallentire Area Action Group, which protested against plans for . . . Complete story »
Board enacts controls on windmills
ALLEGANY – The Town Board has unanimously embraced a zoning amendment setting standards for the development of wind farms. Allegany is the second town in Cattaraugus County to open the door to wind-energy facilities. The Town Board approved the measure Tuesday night. The Town of Farmersville, which has no zoning, earlier this year adopted a law establishing a permitting process for wind farms. To date, the interested developer, Noble Environmental, has not submitted a permit application. The Allegany amendment reserves the . . . Complete story »
Helicopter hovers over turbine site
City Council hearings on what would be the tallest wind turbines in Massachusetts were shelved temporarily yesterday after officials were informed a wind turbine in Oregon collapsed and took a life four days earlier. Conveying the news, Michael Faherty, the attorney for Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, had to raise his voice over the noise of a helicopter hovering above Blackburn Industrial Park. The helicopter was brought in by Varian to show the council and community how high and visible the . . . Complete story »
