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Wind Power News: May 2015
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.
APC declines to support setback amendment
The final decision on whether Fayette County’s zoning ordinance concerning the setback distance standard for wind turbines still rests with county commissioners, but the Area Plan Commission this past week might have made that decision a little easier for them. The Fayette County APC voted 8-0 Thursday night – APC member Jason Waterman was absent – to give an unfavorable recommendation to county commissioners concerning a petition from the Wind Project Concerned Citizens group, which had been seeking to amend . . . Complete story »
A pattern of oil leaks hits Ocotillo Wind Express
OCOTILLO – The wind blew strong across town, through homes, desert and at least one newly installed wind turbine that was leaking hydraulic lubricant. The Siemens 2.37 MW turbine wasn’t losing much oil, but the wind still ended up spreading the high-viscosity fluid over approximately 400 yards of desert. It was March 19, 2013, and Ocotillo Wind Express, a Pattern Energy $600 million wind turbine project, had been partially operating for about four months as it reached full build-out. The oil leak . . . Complete story »
Bats at greatest risk from turbines in Illinois
Bats are much more likely than birds to be killed or injured by wind turbines in Illinois, according to state data. “About 22,000 bats a year are killed by wind turbines,” said Keith Shank, who tracks wind turbine collisions and endangered species for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Shank said bats killed by wind turbines typically are not the same species affected by white-nose syndrome, a fungus that has killed millions of bats nationwide since first reported in New . . . Complete story »
Protecting Dixfield residents
On June 9, Dixfield voters have the opportunity to vote “yes” for a well-crafted wind energy facility ordinance. I would like to address some of the adjustments to that ordinance. One important change requires decommissioning costs to be placed in escrow before the project begins. That is a common practice for oil, gas, nuclear, hydroelectric and other energy providers. It is good business sense and protects the town from removal expenses of aged turbines. The original ordinance allows a nighttime . . . Complete story »
Wind farm subsidies facing the axe
Subsidies that have fuelled the spread of onshore wind farms are to be dramatically curtailed, under Government plans to be unveiled within days. The Telegraph has learnt that a generous subsidy scheme will be shut down earlier than expected, effectively preventing thousands of turbines from getting built, under plans being considered by Amber Rudd, the new energy secretary. The proposals, which could be announced as soon as this week, will set out for the first time how the Conservatives will . . . Complete story »
Government hands boost to wind turbine opposition groups amid health concerns
The Government has granted onshore wind turbine opponents new powers to block the developments amid new health warnings for those living close by. Energy Secretary Amber Rudd promised to strip her department of its power to force through large wind-farm projects against local opposition. The new Cabinet member is also expected to crack down on Government subsidies for the onshore farms. Under current rules, the Energy Secretary can have the final say on giant wind farms of 50 megawatts and . . . Complete story »
Seabird declines must stop say conservationists
The RSPB and Scottish Seabird Centre have called for more research to be taken into potential seabird declines after a wind farm development has been proposed on the Firth of Forth. Environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau has also backed the conservation charities’ pleas for research and the reconsideration of certain offshore wind farm projects. A judicial review has been lodged by RSPB Scotland into the Scottish Ministers’ decision to grant consent for four offshore wind farms off the Firths of Forth and . . . Complete story »
Renewable energy projects popping up; County revamping land-use regulations for solar, wind power
Renewable energy remains a hot topic in San Bernardino County, and not just because of the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan. The prospect of large solar and wind projects dotting the High Desert landscape concerns many, including residents and public officials. The county is in the process of revamping land-use regulations in the General Plan that may simplify understanding of what’s allowed where on county administered lands, and it may help the permitting process. With the plan being updated through . . . Complete story »
New curbs can block ‘health risk’ wind farms: Government grants new powers for critics to stop the building of turbines
Critics of huge wind farms received a boost last night after the Government gave them new powers to block the developments. The move, by Energy Secretary Amber Rudd, comes amid new health warnings for those living close to turbines. Ms Rudd has promised to strip her department of its power to force through large wind-farm projects against local opposition. She is also expected to crack down on Government subsidies for the onshore farms. Under current rules, the Energy Secretary can . . . Complete story »
Author Pauline takes her Turbine tale to local pupils
Copies of a new locally written, educational publication on a renewable energy theme have been presented to Carnalbanagh and Hazelbank Primary pupils. Written by local teacher and author Pauline Davison and illustrated by local artist Jennifer McNeill, ‘Tommy the Turbine’ tells the story of the journey of a little wind turbine from his home in Canada to his new life in the beautiful Northern Ireland countryside. Tommy feels a little nervous as he makes his journey from Belfast port, through . . . Complete story »
