Wind Power News: May 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.
Turbines firm face to face with opposition
Anxious protestors attended an exhibition of a planned wind farm near Cumwhinton. The Newlands Windfarm exhibition – held in the village hall – was put on by Bolsterstone plc and featured designs for three turbines. The turbines could be up to 115ft tall and residents are concerned about the effect on the surroundings. Alison Stamper, who is organising an action group, has lived in the village for 30 years. If the turbines are given the go-ahead they will be a . . . Complete story »
County to get wind farm?
A Bloomfield Hills investor hopes to erect electricity-generating wind turbines on a tract of Monroe Township farmland, but is worried he might have trouble finding a buyer for the power. Farrukh Moghul said the $250,000 project could involve construction of 10 wind turbines mounted on 80-foot-high staffs between E. Albain and Mortar Creek Rds. The development would use 10-kilowatt turbines that might produce about 264 megawatthours of power each year. Mr. Moghul, whose company also owns the Norman Towers retirement . . . Complete story »
Commission to consider rules to allow wind farm
Hamilton County is one step closer to building a projected $300 million wind farm. The Syracuse-Hamilton County Planning Commission Thursday night unanimously approved recommending changes in zoning regulations that would pave the way for construction of a wind farm 10 miles south of Coolidge. Now, the recommended changes go to the Hamilton County Commission for consideration Tuesday. John Kennedy, economic development director for Hamilton County, said he expects the project to be fully supported by county commissioners and the public. . . . Complete story »
Wind turbines set to cause traffic chaos
The movement of massive wind turbine blades is expected to cause traffic headaches over thirteen days from Monday June 2, it was revealed today. The 300-ft long vehicles will be travelling from Chatham dockyard to Romney Marsh. On Monday June 2 three loads will leave Chatham around 10.30am. The vehicles will travel along the A289 Medway tunnel road, then join the M2 to junction three. The loads will continue down Bluebell Hill and join the M20, exiting at junction 10. . . . Complete story »
Residents will await wind farm decision; Opponents appreciated chance to voice concerns over El Paso project
Opponents of the El Paso wind farm project must now wait and see what action the Woodford County Board will take in July when it is next scheduled to discuss the controversial development. But some people opposing the wind farm said they were pleased with the opportunity to vent their grievances with the project and the recent actions of the board. Late Thursday, the board voted to postpone a vote on the special use permit for the El Paso wind . . . Complete story »
Project Hayes phase 2 unlikely
Meridian Energy is not likely to extend its proposed Project Hayes wind farm development with an additional 113 turbines. The concept was first tabled at last year’s resource consent hearing for the $1.5 billion development on 92sq km of the Lammermoor Range in Central Otago. Dubbed phase two of Project Hayes, the addition comprised 113 turbines south and west of the Lammermoor Range site. The extra turbines would be within the Dunedin City Council boundary, on land classed by the . . . Complete story »
San Bernardino County could be next stop for wind power
PALM SPRINGS – On Friday morning, elected officials, environmentalists and energy company representatives heralded the unveiling of the Dillon Wind Power Project, a group of 45 turbines towering more than 300 feet above the Coachella Valley. Experts were quick to talk about how the project will reduce California’s carbon footprint. Missing from the discussion, though, was a revelation with big import for San Bernardino County. Energy companies are looking to higher elevations of San Bernardino County as the next frontier for . . . Complete story »
Massive wind turbines stirring up green energy and a bit of controversy
It has been years in the making and now the new giant windmills are going strong. The Dillion Wind Power Project in North Palm Springs is now complete. 45 new wind turbines, each standing more than 200 feet tall, will now provide valley residents with 45 megawatts of clean, green, renewable energy. This is enough power for more than 13,000 valley homes. “It reduces the emissions that would be the equivalent of taking 11,000 cars off the road,” said Jan . . . Complete story »
St. Lucie wants continued use of FPL land
St. Lucie County’s desire for public beach access could give Florida Power & Light Co. a big bargaining chip when it seeks approval to build six wind turbines on land it owns on South Hutchinson Island. County Administrator Doug Anderson has written to FPL asking the company to renew an agreement that expired in 2006 so the county can continue to maintain a parking lot and restrooms at Walton Rocks Beach, FPL’s 24 acres near the St. Lucie Nuclear Plant. . . . Complete story »
Voters approve greenhouse
SUMNER – Voters approved development of a greenhouse and landscaping business, Reen’s Greens, by Maureen and Gary Searles at 377 Redding Road. After the vote at the special meeting, Selectman Mark Silber reported on recent meetings of a committee formed to investigate the possibility of developing wind or solar power to help towns with soaring energy bills. Silber said that though Buckfield has suitable sites, the town doesn’t own them. He said Sumner owns 130 acres off Redding Road, which is . . . Complete story »
