Wind Power News: January 2013
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.
‘Green’ ideas are ill-advised
In his second inaugural address, President Obama described the science-proven threat to “our children and future generations” from global warming. He pledged that America would “lead on the path toward sustainable energy sources.” Although his address did not offer any specific programs, we can look to the administration’s current energy policies and the past four years on how Obama plans to upgrade the United States from its current position as a major greenhouse gas emitter to a leader among developed . . . Complete story »
Falmouth Selectmen support removing wind turbines
The Falmouth Board of Selectmen voted Jan. 30 to support removing the town’s industrial-sized turbines, Wind 1 and Wind 2 at the Falmouth Wastewater Treatment Facility, in hopes to unify a divided community. “Typically government and good leaders think of the greater good of all. As a thoughtful person, I put all things into account. I have a fiduciary responsibility to this community, and not just a knee-jerk responsibility to a community. What we do … we have to do . . . Complete story »
Grid constraints mean less power output from wind projects
A utility official says that some big wind projects in the region are not performing as planned due to constraints on the transmission grid. The news came as Vermont lawmakers focused on both climate change and a moratorium on new wind development. The Vermont Electric Cooperative buys electricity from two Northeast Kingdom wind projects. And co-op CEO David Hallquist said the production from the turbines has been below expectations. He cited the example of the 16 turbine project in Sheffield, . . . Complete story »
Green energy groups dump ALEC membership
Solar and wind energy trade groups have quit the conservative American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) over its bid to scuttle state-based green electricity mandates, according to a published report. Greenwire reports that the American Wind Energy Association and the Solar Energy Industries Association have dropped out because ALEC is pushing legislation in several states to overturn renewable electricity standards. From Greenwire: The American Wind Energy Association and the Solar Energy Industries Association joined the industry-backed coalition for a year because . . . Complete story »
Wind, solar groups quit ALEC as conservative powerhouse targets clean-power programs
Two renewable energy industry groups have dropped out of the American Legislative Exchange Council, citing the conservative coalition’s efforts to wipe out state-level clean energy programs. ALEC connects businesses and about 2,000 state lawmakers to push free-market legislation, and state lawmakers who are members of ALEC often introduce the model bills in their home legislatures – an increasingly controversial practice that has been widely criticized by liberal and environmental groups and some government watchdogs. The American Wind Energy Association and the . . . Complete story »
Canadian hydro and the New England grid
Along the corridor of towns that would host the controversial Northern Pass Transmission line, it’s hard to find much support for the project. But with power plants retiring and the slow growth of many renewables, all of those rivers in Canada look mighty promising to grid operators. As part of our weeklong series on NH’s energy future we ask does big Canadian hydro have a place in New England’s energy mix? To start, let’s just put Northern Pass controversies aside: . . . Complete story »
Quebec lifts curtain on 350MW
Quebec regulators have approved EDF EN’s 350MW Riviere du Moulin wind farm, paving the way for construction to begin. The developer has also confirmed an order for 175 Repower 2MW turbines. The $800m scheme forms part of a 1GW, seven-project portfolio EDF is building in the Canadian province. The Quebec government decree was the final consent needed for the construction-ready, two-stage wind farm. “Obtaining the decree is of great importance as it marks the confirmation from the government to move . . . Complete story »
Activist to Vermont lawmakers: Act now on climate
He said lawmakers should reject calls for a three-year moratorium on large-scale wind power development in Vermont. Backers of the moratorium object to wind turbines on towers more than 400 feet tall on Vermont's mountain ridges, but McKibben said using wind to replace power generated with fossil fuels could help avert a climate crisis that otherwise will do far greater harm to Vermont's mountain environments. Complete story »
An intimidating sensation
This is about societies that rush into “green energy” with specific note about wind-powered turbines: If you wish to see an argument being made against the indiscriminate location of wind turbines; If you wish to see the negative environmental impact (visual) that such huge turbines create against the vista; If you wish to witness the impact and the intimidating sensation the turbines pose those driving toward them … …you need to take Route 128 north to Gloucester. I rest my . . . Complete story »
Final report to the Heath Planning Board on siting of industrial-scale wind turbines in Heath
Global Warming and Climate Change: The Committee at the outset of its proceeding acknowledged the science of climate change and the necessity to transition to non-fossil fuel energy sources. These sources include solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, wave, tidal, biological and, potentially, fusion. Notwithstanding the societal need to move away from fossil fuel, the Committee could not assume at the start of its deliberations that every alternative energy source was equally available in all locations or equally benign in its impact. . . . Complete story »
