Wind Watch is a registered educational charity, founded in 2005. |
Wind Power News: June 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.
Wisconsin wind limits stand, state’s high court rules
Rules on wind energy limitations in Wisconsin will stand because they were properly promulgated, the state Supreme Court ruled Tuesday. Former Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson wrote for the five-judge majority in Wisconsin Realtors Association v. Public Service Commission, declaring the trade association had failed to show the necessity of a housing impact report prior to the passage of PSC 128. “We further conclude that invalidating [the rule] under the circumstances presented in the instant case would infringe on the . . . Complete story »
Mayors protest offshore windmills
he Mayors of Wassenaar, Katwijk, Noordwijk and Zandvoort have decided to stand together and protest against the offshore windmills planned for their areas. Mayors Jan Hoekema, Jos Wienen, Jan Rijpstra and Niek Meijer have rolled up the legs of their trousers and are standing in the ocean holding up signs. They have signed postcards which will be sent to The Hague. The mayors and residents of their communities are against the visual pollution the wind turbines will cause on their . . . Complete story »
Campaigner maps out opposition to windfarm ‘gold rush’ in Perthshire glens
A windfarm protester has unveiled her latest weapon in the fight against turbine developments across rural Scotland. Jill Hobhouse has produced a 3D map detailing all 74 future and present turbines across the Perthshire patch. The Alyth businesswoman, who is battling to block plans for 14 masts at Saddle Hill, Glen Isla, said there were 17 turbines within a five-mile radius of her home, with a further 11 consented and another 46 proposed. “I do hope that when people see . . . Complete story »
Valley Wind withdraw bid for three 100m turbines in the Colne Valley
Controversial plans for three 100m wind turbines in the Colne Valley look to have been shelved. Kirklees Council has confirmed that the Valley Wind Cooperative have withdrawn their planning bid for the £10m co-operative New Hey Road turbines at Scammonden. It means councillors on the Strategic Planning Committee will no longer rule on the plans when they meet on Thursday. An email was been sent to objectors by council planning officers on Monday morning which says: “The applicant indicated that . . . Complete story »
Plans for a wind farm near 14th century Scottish castle have been rejected by councillors
Plans for a wind farm near a 14th century Scottish castle have been rejected by councillors. Objectors told Scottish Borders Council that the proposed nine turbines would spoil stunning views of Hermitage Castle near Hawick. There were more than 300 letters of objection compared to more than 100 in support. A council committee voted 6-2 against the scheme despite claims that it would help fight global warming. Earlier this year, Outlander author Diana Gabaldon condemned plans for a wind farm . . . Complete story »
PSC hears testimony on proposed wind farm
For the third time in less than a week, members of the state Public Service Commission were hearing testimony at a public hearing in our area. Last week, they heard about plans for pipelines at hearings in Stanley and Williston. And today, they were in Rolette to take testimony about a proposed wind farm. Rolette Power Development wants to erect 59 wind turbines on this land south of Rolette to generate about 100 megawatts of electricity. The project involves almost . . . Complete story »
Go-ahead for wind turbines at Auchtertool
Plans have been approved which will see three giant wind turbines, each just under 100metres tall, built near Auchtertool. Councillors at last week’s Central Area planning committee granted permission for the structures to be erected at Clentrie Farm, to the east of the village. The plans were agreed subject to conditions and conclusion of a legal agreement for a restoration bond and there should also be a windfall for the community with £20,700 paid into a fund each year – . . . Complete story »
Pressure mounts to reverse controversial wind farm decision
The UK Government is under growing pressure to scrap a controversial decision to end new on-shore wind farm subsidies. Cross-party MSPs have signed a motion laid at the Scottish Parliament which “condemns” the announcement to close the renewables obligation from April next year. It claims the move was taken without consulting the renewables industry or the Scottish Government and would put an estimated 5,400 jobs and £3billion in investment in danger. The motion lodged by Highland and islands SNP MSP . . . Complete story »
Windy Edge wind farm scheme rejected
Councillors have refused plans for a wind farm south of Hawick due to concerns over its landscape impact. Infinis UK wanted to put up nine turbines in the Windy Edge project north of Hermitage Castle. The project had attracted more than 300 letters of opposition, along with more than 100 in support of the scheme. Planning officials recommended refusal, saying it would be “incongruous and anachronistic”. Councillors voted by six to two to reject the proposals. Supporters of the scheme . . . Complete story »
Enerfin’s $460m Bulgana wind farm in western Victoria gets final approval
The 63-turbine wind farm proposed for the Bulgana area in western Victoria has been given the final go-ahead. The Northern Grampians Shire approved Enerfin’s planning application for the $460 million project several months ago However, the proposal needed to be assessed under national environment laws. Enerfin spokesman Brett Thomas said construction could start in the second half of 2016. “The project was given [a] planning permit by the Northern Grampians Shire Council and then … we applied to the Federal . . . Complete story »