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.
Minch Moor objectors target Government
A decision to allow for a windfarm to be built on some of the most-walked parts of the Borders countryside is likely to be made early next year. Vattenfall Wind Power Limited wants to erect 12 turbines on Minch Moor, which sits between the Yarrow and Tweed valleys. Initial plans for the windfarm, which attracted strong objections from communities in both valleys, were thrown out by Scottish Borders Council in the summer. But an appeal to the Scottish Government, lodged . . . Complete story »
Turbine plans are still raising fears
Revised plans for a controversial 150ft wind turbine have sparked an angry response. FG Thompstone Farmers want to erect the triple-blade 46.9m turbine on land they own at Anslow Park Farm, in Anslow. One of the changes from earlier proposals is to increase the distance of the turbine from neighbouring Lount Farm from 380m to 410m. However Di Fairclough, who manages a horse breeding business at Castle View Stud, in Lount Farm, was not satisfied with the changes. She said: . . . Complete story »
Industrial-size energy projects raise concerns; What happened at the wind farm?
To some, miles of desert solar mirrors and wind turbines hundreds of feet tall symbolize energy independence and clean energy alternatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But increasingly, environmentalists, rural residents, and Native Americans argue that large scale proposed projects (such as Tule Wind in East County and Tessera’s Solar project in Ocotillo) are anything but “green.” They point to massive destruction of the environment, wildlife habitat, cultural and sacred sites, as well as bird deaths from wind farms. At . . . Complete story »
Turbines, transitions, and trash
These are three of the big issues that the town will be grappling with during the new year. For starters, what is to become of seven wind turbines being proposed in Bournedale? The plans have riled neighbors, and the town’s selectmen have already voted to take a stand against the project. This vote occurred before the Cape Cod Commission or even the town’s energy advisory committee could sink their teeth into the proposal, separating the junk science from the real . . . Complete story »
Solar panel siting and potential wind farming were top stories of the year
The issue of how and where solar panels are sited and a proposal to investigate the feasibility of the Northfield Ridge for a commercial wind farm were the hottest topics in The Valley in 2010. It started when the Kingsbury Farm and Yestermorrow installed prominent and visible solar trackers in fields along Route 100 in Waitsfield and Warren. Valley Reporter readers began to comment and the issue came up at local select board and planning commission meetings. Investigation into siting . . . Complete story »
Wind debate to blow over in 2011
The debate over wind energy that swept over Goodhue County in 2010 may well blow over into the next year. Proposals to build large wind farms in the county’s rural areas have prompted heated arguments among rural residents. Some fear the large turbines will be unsightly and possibly dangerous. Farmers and wind companies who stand to gain from the developments. On one side are people like Belle Creek Township residents Tom and Mary Gale, who moved to the county to . . . Complete story »
Turbine row set for Whitehall decision
A bid to erect nine giant wind turbines in the heart of the Northumberland countryside is set to be formally rejected by county councillors – leaving a final decision in the hands of a Government planning inspector. Green energy company RES UK has generated widespread opposition to its proposals to build the 127m high turbines at Rayburn Lake, 11km west of Morpeth. Objections have come in from 120 local people, two neighbouring parish councils, Newcastle Airport, the Campaign to Protect . . . Complete story »
Wind turbines don’t spin in Scituate in 2010
SCITUATE – Windmills will remain only in the mind in Scituate, at least if they are the kind that generate energy, because the Town Council and a group of opponents to the green electricity alternative in 2010 pretty much squashed future prospects. Controversy swirled like a windmill in a hurricane when Gloria McConville asked the Zoning Board in April for a variance to erect a wind turbine as tall as a downtown Providence skyscraper in her Sunset Orchard on Gleaner . . . Complete story »
The year 2010 told a story of two Vineyards
In her summation of the Martha’s Vineyard economy, presented to an audience of Island businesswomen in November, Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce executive director Nancy Gardella labeled herself an optimist. For certain sectors, she said, things were going well. Very well. For some Island hotels, the spring and summer season of 2010 had been the best ever. The majority of accommodation properties had shown an uptick in business, she said. In dining, too, there had been a significant improvement, and . . . Complete story »
Wind power analysis lacks relevant comparisons
The ongoing flow of information, both pro and con, concerning wind power lacks comparative analysis. It’s comparing kumquats to pizza. If the selling point of a product is speed, the seller loses credibility if he cites furlongs per fortnight in lieu of miles per hour. Proponents of wind power brag about tons of “greenhouse gas” (as compared to what?) and thousands of vehicles off the road. Does wind fuel vehicles? Will the reduction of those vehicles result in another bailout? . . . Complete story »
