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Wind Power News: April 2009
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.
State to seek developer to build industrial-scale windmill at Blandford rest stop on Mass. Pike
As part of Gov. Deval L. Patrick’s commitment to clean energy, the state will seek a developer for an industrial-scale wind turbine at the Blandford rest stop on the Massachusetts Turnpike. The turnpike authority began the process of seeking bids for the project Tuesday, with the deadline for proposals set for June 30. The turbine, which would stand perhaps 300 to 400 feet high with the blades extended vertically, would be constructed on a state-owned, 68-acre site adjacent to the . . . Complete story »
Turbine traffic plans rejected
Proposals to route massive wind turbines down the A161 from Goole through Swinefleet and Eastoft towards Keadby and Crowle were thrown into doubt this week. The move follows North Lincolnshire Council (NLC) rejecting the plans put forward by RES Ltd on Monday night – whilst part of the route is in the East Riding of Yorkshire, the planning approval relates to across the county border. RES Ltd has a planning approval to build a large wind farm near to Keadby . . . Complete story »
When renewable is not renewable
It is a silly argument, but environmental politics tends to provoke silly arguments. Of course, hydroelectricity is “renewable.” How could it not be? The power of the sun lifts water from the sea and deposits it as snow in our mountains, where it is stored until released in the warmth of spring. A small fraction of that enormous energy is captured by our turbines and converted to electricity. It happens over and over again, year after year, renewed solely by . . . Complete story »
When lightning strikes wind turbines II
Back in December, a Wyoming rancher described to me the terrifying fireworks that ensue when a bolt of lightning hits a wind turbine. “It will explode those blades, and they’ll throw chunks of blade several hundred feet,” said Ralph Brokaw, whose ranch accommodates both turbines and cows. After I wrote the post, I got an e-mail message from Kim Loehr of the Lightning Protection Institute. She wrote to tell me that the National Fire Protection Association has updated its handbook . . . Complete story »
Concern over windfarm plan for isle's famous ancient site
Archaeologists say project would damage integrity of prehistoric astrological structure Complete story »
Wind farm threat looms over ancient Lewis stones
The most controversial wind farm project in Scotland is set to get the green light from ministers, sparking a massive clash between environmentalists and the government. In what has been dubbed a rerun of the Trump golf course row, plans for 53 wind turbines on Lewis – within sight of ‘Scotland’s Stonehenge’, the Callanish Stones – seems certain to be approved. The wind farm has been masterminded by city financier Nicholas Oppenheim, who says many locals strongly support the project . . . Complete story »
Near riot as air heated over wind farm plans
A near-riot resulted in closure of a Barnsley Council planning meeting, as tempers rose over another proposed wind farm near Penistone at Crow Edge. The bust-up between councillors was over the Labour voting that saw the three turbine wind farm at Blackstone Edge given the green light, subject to approval from the Secretary of State. One Wombwell area councillor said: “There was an angry, heated argument and the meeting had to be abandoned while people calmed down.” There was a . . . Complete story »
Neighbors want changes, list grievances with turbine
NEWBURYPORT – Almost one year after the City Council passed its ordinance regulating the creation of wind turbines in the city, it heard feedback last night from those most affected. Councilors agreed to re-examine the ordinance and possibly make changes after neighbors in the Back Bay neighborhood voiced their opposition to the 292-foot-tall turbine put up by business owner Mark Richey on his woodworking facility site in the industrial park. That turbine went up in January. Armed with materials, research and . . . Complete story »
