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Wind Power News: November 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.
Tablelands residents opposed to Mt Emerald Wind Farm consider legal action
A group of Tablelands residents hasn’t ruled out a legal challenge to stop Queensland’s largest wind farm being built near their homes. Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt this week gave the $380 million alternative energy project at Mt Emerald near Walkamin the green light, subject to 35 strict conditions to minimise its environmental impact. Tablelands Wind Turbine Action spokesman Steve Lavis said the group, which represents about 60 residents, was considering its options, including a possible legal challenge. “We’re very . . . Complete story »
Turbine appeals hearing sparks heated discussion
Emotion drove comments at a Falmouth Zoning Board of Appeals hearing on an appeal by wind turbine neighbors on Thursday evening. As with the first, the second meeting addressing appeals of the building commissioner’s lack of enforcement against the Wind 2 turbine drew a full audience. Complainants say that the turbine, one of two on Blacksmith Shop Road owned by the town, has negatively impacted their daily lives. A separate appeal over lack of enforcement against Wind 1 was granted . . . Complete story »
Blowing in the wind or wilful blindness?
Some readers may remember MSP Mike McKenzie’s eulogising ode to wind energy titled ‘The answer is blowing in the wind.’ So he will be pleased that Loch Aweside is now beleaguered by three huge wind farm applications at various stages of planning – Upper Sonachan (Egotricity); Balliemeanoch (Sgurr Energy) and Blarghour (Coriolis Energy). Each will be determined by the Scottish Government due to their sheer scale & size. E.ON intend to test wind speeds in Inverliever Forest near Dalavich prior . . . Complete story »
Wind proposal continues to fan Monteny residents’ ire
About 130 people crammed into Montney Recreational Hall on Tuesday to voice concerns about a proposed wind energy project that, if approved, would see up to seven turbines built northeast of Charlie Lake. Montney resident Delbert Benterud organized the emotionally-charged public meeting as a platform for neighbours to come together and express opinions on the project, which were by and large voices of opposition. “We’re going to see these things all over the whole valley,” said Lorna Wollen, who lives . . . Complete story »
Apex files Lighthouse Wind plans
YATES – After holding its cards close to the vest for more than a year, Apex Clean Energy has put them all on the table. The Virginia-based company, through its subsidiary Lighthouse Wind, on Monday formally filed its preliminary scoping statement to the state’s Public Service Commission for a proposed 201-megawatt wind turbine network in Yates and Somerset. Doing so starts both the clock for public comments on the PSS and the filing of an Article X application for the project – . . . Complete story »
Trust holds off on closure of Wind 2 loan
The Massachusetts Clean Water Trust notified town manager Julian M. Suso Tuesday that the entirety of the town’s loan on Wind 2 is still outstanding, and the town will have to pay interest as well as the principal, if it ceases operation of Wind 2. The town borrowed $4,865,000 from the trust for the construction of Wind 2, the second of the town’s two wind turbines. The town submitted a project completion certificate to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection . . . Complete story »
‘Concerning’ data on MOE turbine monitoring
SAUGEEN SHORES – Is the Ministry of Environment enforcing its own regulations governing allowable noise levels from the UNIFOR wind turbine in Port Elgin? Several Saugeen Shores councillors don’t think so, and want a meeting with all involved to share data revealed in a Freedom of Information (FOI) request made by STOP (Saugeen Turbine Operation Policy). Saugeen Shores Deputy-Mayor Luke Charbonneau and Coun. Mike Myatt filed a Notice of Motion, to be debated at the Dec. 14 meeting, calling for . . . Complete story »
Presidential contenders differ sharply on climate, energy
Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders calls climate change the greatest threat to national security. Front-runner Hillary Rodham Clinton promises to install more than 500 million solar panels across the country. On the Republican side, Jeb Bush would phase out tax credits for solar power. Rival Marco Rubio wants to cut the federal gas tax by 80 percent. They’re among the stark differences between the two parties on energy and environment issues that underscore the sky-high stakes for both sides of . . . Complete story »
‘Monstrous’ South Cumbria windfarm plan rejected
Sighs of relief and a round of applause could be heard after controversial plans to replace a windfarm were refused. The decision was made yesterday at the Coronation Hall in Ulverston by South Lakeland District Council’s planning committee. The meeting, which started at 10am, welcomed a full house. The planning application which drew so much attention was submitted last year by energy giant, RWE. They proposed to replace the 12 turbines at Kirkby Moor Wind Farm, which stands less than . . . Complete story »
Federal government approves Queensland’s largest wind farm
After four years of red tape construction on Queensland’s largest wind farm could start within a year. Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt approved the $380 million Mount Emerald farm, in the Atherton Tablelands, on Thursday. The farm could generate 650,000 megawatt hours of power and service up to 75,000 homes for two decades. Joint developers Ratch Australia and Port Bajool have been tied up in federal and state approval processes for more than four years. They hope to have construction . . . Complete story »
