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Wind Power News: February 2008
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.
NY report opens window to wind, turbine foe says
Due to ‘ignorance,’ expectations faulty, Minnig concludes Revolts against wind power, from Cherry Valley to Cohocton, seem to have had no impact whatsoever on the blue-ribbon panel that developed recommendations for New York State’s energy future. If anything, Lt. Gov. David Paterson’s Renewable Energy Task Force report may actually pave the way for Albany to overrule “home rule” limitations on turbines in the interest of expediting wind-farm developments. “Facilitate permitting” is one of the goals in the Wind Power Development . . . Complete story »
Wind power production drop forces ERCOT emergency declaration
An abrupt loss of 1,200 megawatts of wind energy production on Feb. 26 that caught the Electric Reliability Council of Texas Inc. by surprise and forced it to declare emergency conditions underscores a critical policy issue, according to a key industry official. ERCOT said the sharp drop in production during a three-hour period – while overall electricity loads were increasing – threatened the stability of the power grid and could have caused rolling blackouts. Commenting on Feb. 28 during the company’s fourth-quarter . . . Complete story »
Wind farm firm is being economical with the facts
Infinergy informs us that ‘opinion surveys regularly show that seven out of 10 people are in favour of wind energy’ (Journal, February 1). That may be true. However, I am sure that more than seven out of 10 would say they are in favour of flush toilets but they would not be in favour of them being placed in the middle of kitchen floors. It is the same evaluative process with wind farms. It is not simply a question of . . . Complete story »
Windfarm route fears dismissed
Fears that transporation of wind turbines could close a busy main route have been dismissed as a red herring. Campaigners against Npower Renewables’ plans for a nine-turbine windfarm at Ballindalloch near Balfron say lives could be put at risk if the development gets the go-ahead. But the developers are adamant this will not be the case. EVAG held an exhibition in Buchlyvie recently, when it was claimed that the A811 through Arnprior and Buchlyvie could be closed to local traffic . . . Complete story »
Meridian applies to change wind farm
Meridian Energy has gone back to the drawing board after discovering a turbine design glitch affecting contentious wind farms planned for Wellington. The power company has applied to Wellington City Council for a variation of consent to change the design of 62 turbines planned for Project West Wind at Makara to include boxes the size of vans at the base of each turbine to house transformers. The same turbine and box design is planned for the 31-turbine Mill Creek wind . . . Complete story »
Security threat
Defence chiefs are objecting to controversial proposals for a west Cumbrian windfarm. The Ministry of Defence fears that the five 105-metre turbines planned for Fleeter Wood, between Dearham and Tallentire, could interfere with radar equipment. Officials have written to Allerdale planning chief Ric Outhwaite, claiming the structures would stop the Royal Air Force from providing a full air traffic control service in the area. And although developers Novera Energy claim to have technical details that would quash their concerns, the . . . Complete story »
Farmers must weigh pros, cons of wind turbines
HAYFIELD – Local farmer John Kruger’s phone has been ringing a lot lately and the topic of conversation is usually the same – wind turbines. He is among the Dodge County farmers being heavily courted by wind farm developers eager to lock up lease agreements for wind turbines. In recent months, Kruger said he gets an average of two to three phone calls a week from developers looking to make a deal. “I haven’t made my mind up if it is a . . . Complete story »
Energy producer seeks to control supply, too
The state Public Service Commission (PSC) is seeking public comment on whether Iberdrola S.A. should acquire Energy East, the parent company of New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas & Electric Corporation (RG&E). Iberdrola is the owner of the proposed Jordanville wind farm. Perhaps the best argument against Iberdrola’s acquisition of NYSEG is the PSC’s traditional reluctance to allow a single company to own both the means of generation (Jordanville) and transmission of electricity. The reason, of . . . Complete story »
Community College wins grant to install wind turbine
The Massachusetts technology Collaborative has awarded Cape Cod Community College a $2.4 million grant to install a wind turbine. The 600 kW turbine is expected to provide a net savings to the college of $850,000. “Cape Cod Community College has been a leader in the community in regard to energy and environmental issues,” said Senate President Therese Murray, D-Plymouth. “This MTC grant will allow Cape Cod Community College to continue its proactive efforts in these areas and at the same . . . Complete story »
Garrett County has financial stake in wind power project
Newly released documents show that the Garrett County government stands to reap tens of thousands of dollars in royalty payments for allowing wind turbines on county land. The disclosure, in documents obtained by The Associated Press, follows the county commissioners’ unanimous vote in early February to oppose construction of the 40-story windmills on state forest land. Clipper Windpower plans to place three turbines on Garrett County Sanitary District land as part of a proposed 28-turbine project that will be discussed . . . Complete story »
