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Wind Power News: July 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.
Battle continues over misplaced Gullen Range wind turbines as NSW planning department recommends their relocation
The New South Wales’ Planning and Environment Department wants two wind turbines at the Gullen Range wind farm moved, after finding the company erected them away from their approved locations. Investigators from the department found one third of the project’s 73 turbines were built more than 50 metres from where they were meant to be. A spokesman for the department says two turbines built 178 and 167 metres from their approved locations are unacceptable because of their impact on nearby . . . Complete story »
No action yet to reclaim tribal land
Despite it was one of the key campaign issues of the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) in the last Assembly election, the dispute over the alienation of 85.21 acres of tribal land at Attappady at the behest of certain windmill companies during the reign of the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government remains unresolved. Though four years have gone since the then Palakkad District Collector K.V. Mohankumar found some government officials’ role in fabricating documents and a committee headed by . . . Complete story »
Turbine ‘monster’ plans tamed by rural protesters
Protesters are celebrating after a wind turbine application dubbed ‘The Hatherleigh Monster’ has been rejected by planners. Since Cornish developer Mi-Grid announced plans for a 77 metre wind turbine at Heane Farm near Hatherleigh back in March, the project has garnered controversy. A team of residents from the area have campaigned against the turbine, dubbing it ‘The Hatherleigh Monster’. As part of their protest, objectors flew a blimp on Sunday, June 29, near the site to demonstrate the visual impact . . . Complete story »
GVEA rejects Delta Junction wind farm offer
FAIRBANKS – The developer of a wind farm in Delta Junction is continuing to push Golden Valley Electric Association to buy his power, despite continued rejection from the Interior Alaska electric utility. Mike Craft, who created and operates the Delta Wind Farm, released a report to the public this week outlining the viability of his wind farm and attempting to discount GVEA’s arguments against buying more of his electricity. The utility has been willing to buy back as much as 2 . . . Complete story »
David Cameron: ‘Britain almost at limit for onshore wind energy’
The Prime Minister says Britain has almost reached the limit for onshore wind energy. David Cameron told the press at the Royal Welsh Showground on Monday that he does not see the need for more windfarms once the UK reaches its target of 10 per cent of electricity generated by onshore wind. Currently applications for five large Mid Wales windfarms are being considered by the Secretary of State, following the largest public inquiry held of its kind. If all five . . . Complete story »
Tourist operators fight windfarm plan for moor
Tourist operators near the site of a proposed wind farm on the edge of Rannoch Moor say they will be fighting to save their businesses if the development goes ahead. The John Muir Trust, the wild land charity, has also urged Highland Perthshire residents and visitors to object to the proposed scheme by Talladh-a-Bheithe Wind Farm Ltd, which wants to erect 410ft wind turbines between Loch Rannoch and Loch Ericht. According to the Trust, the 24 turbines would be visible . . . Complete story »
Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman calling on energy minister to make wind farm proposal transparent
Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman is calling on the minister of energy to make wind farm proposal processes more transparent to the public and specifically provide information requested about the local Gunn’s Hill wind farm proposal. “Firstly, I would like to reiterate my position that it is unacceptable that approvals such as this one do not require municipal approval and public consent. In addition, applications can be changed without public involvement, as has happened with the Prowind application,” Hardeman wrote in . . . Complete story »
State offering $250 million in funding for clean energy projects
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is offering $250 million to fund clean energy generation projects such as wind farms, fuel cells, biomass facilities, renewable biogas and the upgrading of small-to-medium-sized hydropower projects. The competitive solicitation will promote the development of a broad range of new renewable energy resources and the contracts for these projects will be awarded for a term of up to 20 years, closer aligning New York State with neighboring states that offer . . . Complete story »
Sparsholt College seeks to put wind turbine on its land
A college near Winchester is seeking approval for a wind turbine on its campus. Sparsholt College, in Westley Lane, wants to build the 74 metre turbine to teach students to the technology behind sustainable energy and reduce its carbon footprint. It wants to build it in a valley – the lowest point on campus – which the college says means it will be less visible than the three 18 metre turbines at neighbouring Kirton Farm, in Stockbridge Road. Principal, Tim . . . Complete story »
Auchenblae windfarm gets the go ahead
Plans for two wind turbines have been given the green light by councillors. The proposal for two 79.6m turbines at Herscha Hill, near Auchenblae, were approved by Kincardine and Mearns area committee. The plans were recommended for approval by Aberdenshire Council after the local authority carried out an assessment of the area. The turbines will be located on the summit of Herscha Hill and the plans include the associated infrastructure, including a new section of access track. Several scheduled ancient . . . Complete story »
