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Wind Power News: December 2010
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.
End SIP negotiations
Where are our politicians when it comes to supporting the wishes of their constituents? Regrettably, they are charging ahead with their own agenda while ignoring the people who have put them in office. The recent ballot measure 31-75 mandated “no” against the proposed Antelope Ridge Wind Farm, but our local politicians are continuing to have meetings with Horizon Wind behind closed doors to negotiate the terms of a Strategic Investment Program. There should be no further meetings, no SIP. It . . . Complete story »
Wind could power county
PITTSFIELD – While a new study reports there’s enough wind energy in New England to supply 24 percent of its electricity needs by 2020, wind turbine projects already in the works locally could supply more than enough electricity to power all the homes in Berkshire County, an Eagle analysis has found. If all four of the wind farms currently planned for the Berkshires are completed and become operational – representing 97.5 megawatts of power – they could generate enough electricity to power more . . . Complete story »
Waubra resident on 24-hour check
A local GP has instructed a Waubra resident to undergo 24-hour blood pressure monitoring. The resident was requested to wear a portable Holter monitor following an episode of acute hypertension. Waubra Foundation director Dr Sarah Laurie said the resident’s blood pressure became “extremely elevated” overnight while sleeping, while turbines were operating. Self-testing of morning blood pressure by a small group of Waubra residents began recently. But Dr Laurie said 24-hour blood pressure tests were also being undertaken by people living . . . Complete story »
Pilots’ lives ‘will be put at risk’ by wind farm turbines
Lives of paramotor pilots could be put at risk if a wind farm scheme gets the go ahead, a flying instructor has warned. Geoff Soden, of ParamotorsUK, fears that turbulence downwind from the giant rotating blades of the farm’s turbines could cause a paramotor’s parachute-style wing to collapse. Pilots, including trainees, currently fly close to the proposed Woolley Hill wind farm site on circuits for ParamotorsUK’s site at Brooklands Farm, near Alconbury. Mr Soden, who has operated from the site . . . Complete story »
Former political rivals square off over wind power
Highland Plantation – Two former political rivals are squaring off once again, this time over wind power. Angus King and Jonathan Carter fought for the Blaine House in 1994. Today they’re battling over the Highland wind power project. Sponsors of the Highland wind power project hope to put 39 turbines on top of this ridge overlooking the Appalachan Trail and the Bigelow preserve. Proponents, like former Governor Angus King, say the project would allow Mainer’s to use homegrown electricity instead . . . Complete story »
Turbine should be no hasty decision
Re: Potential sighting of a large-scale commercial wind turbine on Great Hill, Marion Many Marion and Wareham residents appreciate the publishing of comprehensive and thoughtful articles and letters regarding the consequences of the potential sighting of a large-scale commercial wind turbine on Great Hill, near the Buzzards Bay coastline. These folks have an abiding interest in and love for this unique area of the South Coast of Massachusetts and Buzzards Bay, going back generations. I am sure that this feeling . . . Complete story »
Wind power and reindeers struggle to coexist
During 2010 Sweden produced one third more wind power than the year before, according to new figures from the Scandinavian country’s energy authorities. A total of 289 new turbines helped produce 2,000 megawatts, Swedish Radio said. Most of the turbines are located in Skåne, a southern Swedish province. However, more and more Skåne residents protest against wind power and say that the turbines are spinning too close to their homes. And in the most northern parts of the country reindeer . . . Complete story »
Wind farm horror
It is impertinent for anyone who does not have the misfortune to have been forced to live near wind turbines to sneer, as does Ms Hogan (Letters, 29 December) at those who seek to protect their homes and families from these horrible machines. As an increasing number of people can attest, the noise, flicker and oppressive visual impact of 400-plus foot monstrosities transform what were once quiet rural areas into industrial sites, and can make life unbearable for residents who . . . Complete story »
Company ‘tricky’ over turbines
Collector residents have accused wind farm proponent Transfield Services of misleading the public about the visual impact of its proposed new wind farm. Resident Rodd Pahl said the 150 metre-tall turbines would dominate the picturesque country landscape surrounding his town, and said Transfield was misleading residents. “It’s poor form from Transfield in terms of working with the community in an open and trusting way,” he said. “The issue that wind farm companies always overlook is the sheer scale of these . . . Complete story »
Ridgeline protection ordinance passed in Tazewell County, but controversial wind turbine farm still planned for East River Mountain
A debate that started in late 2008, and raged through 2009, seemed headed to a long-awaited conclusion in early 2010 when the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors adopted their so-called ridgeline protection ordinance. The measure was passed on 3-2 vote with the board members divided over the wind turbine project. Board chairman and Northwestern District Supervisor Seth White, and Western District Supervisor John Absher, cast a vote against the ridgeline ordinance and in support of the wind turbine farm. Eastern . . . Complete story »
