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Wind Power News: September 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.
Wind farm in Garvagh fails to obtain planning permission
After years of controversy, planning permission has been refused for a commercial scale windfarm near Garvagh. T he application, first lodged in 2011, was turned down at the Causeway Coast and Glens council due to the visual impact on the surrounding rural environment. After years of deliberation and well over one thousand letters from the public, both in support of and objecting to the application, a divided council chamber voted against the proposed wind farm. Causeway Coast and Glens planning . . . Complete story »
Baker says state is at energy crossroads
Gov. Charlie Baker said on Tuesday that Massachusetts and the rest of New England are standing at a crossroads on energy, but it appears he wants to go down a different path than most environmental activists and their backers in the Legislature. Baker told the Legislature’s Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy that he has two energy priorities: meeting the state’s emission reduction targets and reducing the price of electricity. He wants lawmakers to pass a law allowing the state’s . . . Complete story »
Gas turbines, not batteries, may provide the easiest path forward for renewables
For ramping up renewables, storing electrons may not be the gatekeeper as some policymakers presume, a new study has found. Clouds passing overhead and lulls in the wind make turbines and photovoltaics waver in power output. This can destabilize the grid and create energy shortfalls, forcing another electricity source to fill the gaps to keep the lights on. Using a battery, a compressed air cavern or flywheel to soak up excess power when it’s available and dish it out when . . . Complete story »
Carter Bar turbine proposals dropped
A wind farm company has dropped plans to site seven turbines close to the Carter Bar crossing point between Scotland and England. More than 100 letters of objection were tabled against Infinis Wind Holdings’ Cummings Hill scheme. An action group was formed in nearby Chesters to fight the application. Organisations from both sides of the border, including Scottish Natural Heritage and Northumberland National Park, were also against the bid. Meanwhile, an appeal has gone to the Scottish government over Scottish . . . Complete story »
Support for wind energy growing
Wind power seems to be back on the agenda for the federal government which could open the door to new wind farms being constructed across the region. With Malcolm Turnbull taking over the leadership weeks ago, it appears new wind farms may now be eligible for funding from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. The move differs from the government’s controversial order in July, under former prime minister Tony Abbott, that the $10 billion corporation could not invest in wind power . . . Complete story »
Gov. Baker makes pitch for renewable energy initiatives
BOSTON >> Gov. Charlie Baker on Tuesday pressed lawmakers to move swiftly on renewable energy initiatives designed to reduce energy costs and lower the state’s carbon footprint – including a bill to raise caps on solar “net metering.” At a packed Statehouse hearing, Baker also said he’s open to exploring long-term contracts with utilities for offshore wind and hydropower. The state currently doesn’t have the authority to allow utilities to pursue long-term contacts – up to 15 or 25 years – with large . . . Complete story »
Boards oppose wind project; Officials write to PSB, cite prior violations
SWANTON – The Town of Swanton has announced its opposition to Swanton Wind, LLC’s proposed wind turbine project to be sited at Rocky Ridge. In a six-page letter sent to the Public Service Board, the town selectboard, in cooperation with the planning commission, has concluded that the project “would create more detriments than benefits to the Town of Swanton and adjoining towns and thus, will not serve the public good.” “This letter is the town taking a position,” selectboard chair . . . Complete story »
PSB and GMP create turbulence for Swanton Wind
Green Mountain Power on Friday supported the Department of Public Service’s position that the Swanton Wind project’s petition for a power purchase agreement be dismissed. Shrouded in legalese is the unmistakable message that the proposed wind turbine project on Rocky Ridge in Swanton has hit some turbulence. Perhaps enough that the project will not go forward. The utility’s objections include three key elements; affordability, need, and the proper use of resources. The applicant, Swanton Wind, had asked that its power . . . Complete story »
Selectmen vote to temporarily stop turbine operation
Selectmen voted to temporarily halt operation of the first of the town’s two wind turbines Monday night, September 28. According to a press release from town manager Julian M. Suso, selectmen voted during closed executive session to stop the turbine to comply with a cease-and-desist order that was issued by the zoning board of appeals on September 23. At the same time, selectmen also voted to appeal the appeals board’s cease-and-desist decision, the press release said. Both turbines were constructed . . . Complete story »
Wind turbine for Haverhill fails at appeal
A controversial planning application for a wind turbine near Haverhill’s Ladygate Wood has lost at appeal – because it did not have the support of local people. St Edmundsbury Borough Council’s Development Control Committee first considered the application for a 78 metre high wind turbine at Nesterfield End in January 2014 and refused it the following month based on harm to landscape character and visual amenity. Engena Limited appealed the council’s decision on behalf of applicant James Sills and on . . . Complete story »
