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Wind Power News: November 2012
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.
Residents vow to fight bid to build wind turbines at former RAF Binbrook in Lincolnshire
New plans have been unveiled for two wind turbines on the site of an iconic Lincolnshire airbase. The controversial scheme is proposed for the former RAF Binbrook in the heart of the picturesque Wolds. The application comes weeks after Energy Minister John Hayes spoke out about the growing number of onshore wind farms which are being “imposed on communities”. But he was last week contradicted by coalition colleagues led by Prime Minister David Cameron, who insisted each application would be . . . Complete story »
Espindola wants to allow turbine opponents on agenda
FAIRHAVEN – Selectman Robert Espindola pressured Select Board Chairman Brian Bowcock Monday to place Windwise on a future agenda. Mr. Espindola mentioned Teal Circle resident Karen Isherwood, who came before selectmen during a break in a meeting several weeks ago. At that meeting, Mr. Bowcock told her she couldn’t speak because she wasn’t on the agenda. When Ms. Isherwood said she’d been asking to be on the agenda for months, he told her the board was waiting for the results of . . . Complete story »
No special counsel for Kingston Board of Health
KINGSTON – Two words, “the process,” incited anger among residents who want the Independence wind turbine shut down. They are demanding immediate action by the Board of Health, but the majority of the board members say they are still at the information gathering stage and need to follow a process for making any decisions. What is planned is a public meeting with the consulting group, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, and the Consensus Building Institute, the organization that will carry out . . . Complete story »
Debate heats up over North America’s largest wind energy company’s proposal
North America’s largest wind energy company generated local static Tuesday as it asked Middlesex County to smooth the process in allowing transmission lines along county roads. The transmission poles would connect NextEra’s three proposed wind farms near Thedford, Parkhill and Strathroy along county-owned roads. County councillors expressed concerns about the poles’ height – each would be about 35 metres tall – possible conflicts with other services, such as drainage and hydro, and clearance at intersections. Southwest Middlesex Mayor Vance Blackmore wondered if . . . Complete story »
Government accused of forcing consumers to subsidise some of Britain’s biggest corporations after Energy Bill is published
The Government stands accused of forcing consumers to subsidise some of Britain’s biggest corporations after today’s long-awaited energy bill exempted power-intensive companies from shouldering their share of the costs of greening the country’s electricity supply. Instead, the vast subsidies needed to persuade potential investors bankroll a host of new low-carbon electricity generators in the coming years will be largely financed by slapping £95m a year on the average household bill by 2020. In one of the few major developments not . . . Complete story »
Cloich Forest turbines opposed by Ministry of Defence
The Ministry of Defence has opposed plans for an 18-turbine wind farm in the Borders due to fears over its impact on a seismic monitoring station. Residents have also objected to Partnerships for Renewables’ Cloich Forest scheme near Eddleston. The company says the project could generate more than 60MW of electricity and up to £7m for the local community. However, the MoD has concerns about its effects on the monitoring station at Eskdalemuir in Dumfries and Galloway. It is used . . . Complete story »
Controversial community wind farm rejected by Scottish Government
A bid to erect the first community owned wind turbines in the East of Scotland has failed after an appeal by its backers was turned down by the Scottish Government. Newburgh Community Trust had hoped to build three 100-metre turbines on Lindores Hill, Newburgh, Fife. The trust claimed the scheme would generate around £250,000 for the local community each year, rising to more than £1m once the costs had been paid off. It was anticipated that the money could have . . . Complete story »
O’Malley to reintroduce offshore wind bill
Gov. Martin O’Malley plans to reintroduce a bill to provide funding for an offshore wind farm – legislation that has twice failed to make it out of the General Assembly, an administrations spokeswoman said Wednesday. “We’re hoping to introduce something similar to last year,” said spokeswoman Takkira Winfield, noting that the details of the bill are still being hammered out. “I had worked with the governor’s people on how to get that extra vote in my committee, and I think he’s . . . Complete story »
Unhappy with wind turbine noises
This is in response to the letter that was printed on Sunday, Nov. 25. For many years I lived in Lancaster, Calif. It is part of the Antelope Valley which is dubbed The Wind Capital.” Tehachapi, Calif., is very near. It is dubbed “The Wind Turbine Capital.” I recently moved to Whatcom County and have read about the debate on wind turbines. I suggest Mr. Mitchell take a trip there to hear the sound pollution. Interestingly, those who wanted the . . . Complete story »
Waverly utility receives settlement in turbine suit
WAVERLY, Iowa – Waverly Light and Power has received a final settlement of a longstanding lawsuit related to its Cannon II wind turbine. The turbine fell during construction in February 2009. Since then, the utility has fought to recover costs resulting from the event and the damaged turbine. A lawsuit filed against appropriate parties had a court date of early 2013. According to WLP general manager Diane Johnson, successful mediation has resulted in a settlement agreement that allows WLP to . . . Complete story »
