Wind Power News: January 2014
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.
CPUC to hold hearing in Alpine Feb. 5 on new “stealth” SDG&E power line project proposed in backcountry
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will hold a prehearing conference at 1:30 p.m. February 5 in the Oak Room of the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine regarding proposed SDG&E’s Master Special Use Permit project that wouldl impact communities throughout the San Diego backcountry from Pauma Valley to Potrero (north to south) and from Ramona to Boulevard (west to east). The project is so large that SDG&E estimates construction will take about five years. Administrative Law Judge . . . Complete story »
Last defence
The channel that separates Amherst Island from Prince Edward County is scarcely two kilometres wide. The island itself is tiny—just 20 kilometres long and seven kilometres across at its widest point. It is likely that in some ancient past Prince Edward County and Amherst Island were connected. Now these communities share a common threat—a threat to the birds that stopover on their way north and south. To the animals that live here and make this unique habitat their own. To . . . Complete story »
Dispute over paying for Minnesota wind turbines generates lawsuit
ST. PAUL, Minn.— The backers of a southeastern Minnesota wind farm touted as a model for other communities face a $3.3-million lawsuit in U.S. District Court filed by the South Korean company that manufactured and financed the turbines for the Winona County Wind project. But legal documents filed on behalf of Juhl Energy Development Inc., three related companies and six individuals named in the lawsuit call for the case to be dismissed and deny a breach of contract, fraud and . . . Complete story »
Wind turbine activists not backing down
Even though construction has begun on a wind energy project in their own backyard, the Middlesex Lambton Wind Action Group is continuing to fight. With longtime activist Esther Wrightman of Adelaide-Metcalfe and Muriel Allingham of North Middlesex leading the way, the group staged a rally Jan. 31 that began in Parkhill. About 15 vehicles – many carrying signs and messages of their disapproval – convoyed through parts of the area that energy giant Nextera has earmarked for wind turbine construction . . . Complete story »
Juhl seeks dismissal of Winona County wind project lawsuit
ST. PAUL – Juhl Energy Development Inc. has filed paperwork in U.S. District Court seeking the dismissal – with prejudice – of a $3.3 million lawsuit from Unison Co., a South Korean wind turbine manufacturer. The Pipestone business also is asking the court to “compel arbitration” on the dispute. At issue is a $4.8 million wind project built near Altura in Winona County. JEDI developed the project in 2010 using equipment purchased from Unison, which filed a 16-count lawsuit last month alleging fraud, . . . Complete story »
Few questions remain on Stoneray Wind Farm permit process
The turnout was good but few questions were asked during a recent public hearing for the Stoneray Wind Farm, a 105 MW project proposed for eastern Pipestone County and western Murray County. An estimated 30 to 40 people attended the Jan. 14 public hearing at the Herbert Holtke American Legion Post 285, in Lake Wilson according to Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) spokesperson Dan Wolf. The purpose of the public hearing was to gather public input into the recently drafted environmental . . . Complete story »
Sanford launches appeal of ERT approval of Dufferin Wind Power
The wind turbine wars have taken a new twist with the filing last week of an appeal of December’s decision by the Environmental Review Tribunal’s decision to uphold Dufferin Wind Power’s Renewal Energy Approval (REA). The appellant is Melancthon resident Dennis Sanford, who had been a party to the ERT hearing, on health issues and a Constitutional challenge. The filing coincided with a Divisional Court hearing of an appeal of another ERT decision, this one overruling Gilead Energy’s REA of . . . Complete story »
Little Raith windfarm proposal is scaled back
The company behind plans for an extension to the Little Raith windfarm in south-west Fife has announced significant changes to the layout of the proposals. Kennedy Renewables is proposing to reduce the number of proposed additional turbines from seven to six – the proposed turbine situated closest to Auchtertool would be removed – and reducing the planned height of the remaining six. The decision to remove the turbine closest to Auchtertool is based on the results of the company’s environmental assessments, which . . . Complete story »
Residents oppose new grid link needed for German energy transition
A planned high-voltage power line seen as a key element of Germany’s energy transition this week drew protests from Bavarians along its proposed route. More than 1,000 people Tuesday crowded into the town hall in Kulmbach, Germany, about 70 miles north of Nuremburg, to voice angry opposition to plans from grid operators Amprion and 50Hertz to build a 280-mile high-voltage transmission line in southern Germany. The companies say the link is essential to bringing renewable energy sources in northern Germany . . . Complete story »
More to learn about green energy
In the early days of Ontario’s foray into wind and solar energy projects – well before the Ontario Liberals’ Green Energy Policy, which was enshrined within legislation in 2009 – countries such as Denmark and Germany were trotted out as towering examples of what could be achieved if governments were more embracing of renewable energy programs. In Denmark, for example, massive wind turbines lined the sea coast. In Germany, wind turbine generation was eagerly embraced, and solar energy was so . . . Complete story »
