Wind Power News: August 2016
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.
Bethlehem’s wind power project not cost-effective
Why would the federal government subsidize wind power on Bethlehem Authority property to the tune of $3 million per year? 1. Wind power is not cost-effective. The plan is to subsidize wind energy production by roughly 30 percent per kwh. If wind power was cheaper and reliable, power companies would be rushing to wind power for the competitive advantage. 2. Wind power takes a significant toll on birds of prey. For a state and country that persecutes killers of bald . . . Complete story »
What role should Vermont towns play in siting renewable energy?
Legislation approved earlier this year tries to give towns more say over where wind and solar projects are built. But municipalities are going to have to earn their influence, and the state is now working on rules that will govern towns’ roles in the renewable-energy siting process. About 60 people from across the state gathered at the Vermont College of Fine Arts in Montpelier on Tuesday morning. They included municipal officials, regional planners, environmental advocates and other people with skin . . . Complete story »
Hartlepool wind turbine plans among tallest in the land ruled ‘invalid’
Plans for three of the tallest onshore wind turbines in the UK at Hartlepool have collapsed – to the delight of campaigners. Seneca Global Energy was given planning permission to erect the 574ft high turbines in the Seaton Carew area last year. They were due to be built at Graythorp Industrial Estate, Brenda Road West Industrial Estate and Tofts Road West. The plans were later called in by the government after concerns from the public were raised over their potential . . . Complete story »
Livingston County voters to decide on wind setbacks
Compared with Livingston County, it’s a breeze for wind farm companies to get approval for turbines in La Salle County. For Livingston County’s last wind farm application, the county’s zoning board conducted 30 meetings. Historically, it takes just one meeting in La Salle County to consider such a proposal, according to the county. In November, Livingston County voters will be asked for their views in an advisory referendum on how far turbines should be from houses. The current setback is . . . Complete story »
Speaking up for the Kingdom
As a citizen of Irasburg, in the heart of the Northeast Kingdom, I’ve seen the impact of policies and decisions made in Montpelier on almost every aspect of life in Vermont towns. The heavy hand of state government on our local communities is what made me decide to run for the state Legislature. With our Northeast Kingdom towns facing critical challenges, from energy siting to education to our economy, it seemed like time to speak up. The issue that first . . . Complete story »
Owner unsure about replacing German turbine engulfed in flames
The owner of a windfarm said they haven’t decided whether to replace a turbine which was destroyed by a fire earlier this month. Footage had emerged of the 100foot wind turbine showing part of it engulfed in flames. Now Helmut Aiwanger has said a replacement turbine may be sourced under the terms of the project’s insurance but no decision has been taken. No root cause has yet been established with lightning or a technical failure both being considered. The wind . . . Complete story »
Wind turbine blade lorry catches fire
A lorry carrying a wind turbine blade has caught fire, forcing the closure of the A714 between Dumfries and Galloway and South Ayrshire. Emergency services were called to the incident near Bargrennan at about 05:50. Police Scotland said there were no reports of any injuries and diversions had been put in place. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said the fire had been put out by about 08:25. Two crews were sent to the scene and found the lorry “well . . . Complete story »
Wind power is a nice idea, until you get to the details
Regarding the Aug, 28 Politics & The Nation article “Backers hope nation’s first offshore wind farm will jump-start an industry”: As a retired engineer, I find it hard to justify wind farms from an economic, aesthetic or environmental perspective. The article stated that a five-turbine, 30-megawatt project off Rhode Island will provide enough energy for about 17,000 homes. What is the cost for backup power generation when there is little or no wind? What about the limited lifetime of the . . . Complete story »
VPIRG attacks $50K Lyndon State College appropriation for wind monitoring
LYNDON CENTER – Lyndon State College is asking some towns in the Northeast Kingdom and beyond to contribute $5,000 each toward a wind project monitoring project. LSC stands to be awarded a $50,000 appropriation in the 2015-2016 legislative Capital Bill, but can only get its hands on the funds if it raises the same amount in matching funds. In language added to the Capital Bill by Sen. John Rodgers, D-Orleans, the college will be given a $50,000 appropriation to buy sound . . . Complete story »
Stop wind farm, save bases
Corpus Christi cannot allow this wind farm to be built. It places NAS-Corpus Christi, NAS Kingsville and Corpus Christi Army Depot at risk. That has very serious economic consequences as these bases were on the closure list last time. The wind farms positively impact only the land owners but negatively impacts the steady state power plants that carry the major power load in this area. When the wind dies down the other steady state power plants have to pick up . . . Complete story »
