Wind Power News: Americas
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch 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.
Energy company looking at potential 50,000 acre wind farm project in 11 Montcalm County townships
SIDNEY TOWNSHIP – Montcalm County residents could see a local wind farm project sooner than they think – and it could encompass up to 50,000 acres throughout 11 townships. Albert Jongewaard, development manager for Apex Clean Energy in Virginia, presented some initial details about his company’s wind farm goals for Montcalm County during Monday evening’s Sidney Township Board meeting. Jongewaard himself is based at the company’s Minnesota office, but he has been spending a lot of time in central Michigan, including at . . . Complete story »
‘All renewable’ not viable alternative to fossil fuel
The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act calls for all state electricity to be carbon free by 2040 and for an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Interpreting these targets to mean we must achieve “100% renewable” electricity would be a mistake. Over the last several decades, Germany has shut down nuclear power and made massive investments in solar and wind, which now make up about 20% of the country’s energy mix. Sour grapes or sauerkraut? Germany is . . . Complete story »
Tall wind turbines in Botetourt will pose no hazard to aircraft, FAA determines
Making tall turbines 130 feet taller will not endanger passing aircraft, the Federal Aviation Administration has determined. In a step forward for a proposed wind farm in Botetourt County, the FAA found this week that turbines reaching as far as 680 feet into the sky from the top of a mountain would “not constitute a hazard to air navigation.” It was the second time the agency has determined that the renewable energy project, to be located in a remote and . . . Complete story »
Reader talks environmental impact of project
In the midst of the pandemic fog, with the local coastal community at risk for a prolonged battle of health, economics and education stressors, the issues of the environment continue to move forward. Part and parcel of social justice, is environmental justice. The most recent article on the Skipjack Wind project and the revised Ørsted plan (Coastal Point July 17th ) for the connection to the electrical grid, is alarming. Why the sudden concern for the health of Fenwick wetlands . . . Complete story »
OPSB issues reminder of Emerson Creek wind project virtual hearing Aug. 20
COLUMBUS – Ohio Power Siting Board is reminding people of a hearing on Firelands Wind LLC’s proposal to construct a wind farm in Erie and Huron counties. The local public and adjudicatory hearings are to be conducted using Cisco Webex, a web-based platform that facilitates participation by telephone or live video on the internet. The local public hearing is to begin at 3 p.m. Aug. 20, and testimony will be limited to 5 minutes per witness. Individuals who wish to provide . . . Complete story »
No position taken by Beatrice elected officials, on prospect of wind farm
BEATRICE – It’s a controversial project…one that ultimately will be decided by the Gage County Board, if a permit application is filed. A proposed wind farm in northern Gage County could be constructed, but first, county officials will deal with whether or not the wind tower setback requirement from non-participating rural homeowners will be increased, to one mile. The City of Beatrice hasn’t taken a formal position on the prospect of a wind farm between Pickrell and Cortland. Mayor Stan . . . Complete story »
Mass. set to pass landmark clean energy law
Massachusetts is expected to pass clean energy and climate legislation in the coming months that would require the state to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, dividing conservative groups and environmentalists in atypical ways. The state House and Senate, which are both controlled by Democrats, have yet to agree on final language. But both chambers have passed bills backing the net-zero goal, and Republican Gov. Charlie Baker has declared that his administration is planning to meet it. If enacted, . . . Complete story »
Draft EIR available for wind-energy project in eastern Shasta County
Last summer, a citizens’ group that opposes the project had asked the county to place a moratorium on any more large generation projects. Citizens in Opposition to the Fountain Wind Project said the nearly 38,000-acre forested area that the turbines would be located within is in a high fire hazard zone. Complete story »
New program will promote clean-energy generation during peak periods
The Baker administration is launching a new program aimed at promoting the use of clean-energy generation and storage during times of peak electricity demand. State officials say the Clean Peak Energy Standard program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, because fewer fossil-fuel powered plants will be called on to generate power during peak periods. The program, authorized by 2018 legislation, is similar to the state’s existing renewable portfolio standard by requiring electricity suppliers to buy a certain amount of “Clean Peak . . . Complete story »
Industry heavyweights to invest in UMaine offshore wind project near Monhegan Island
The University of Maine’s effort to pioneer floating offshore wind technology took a $100 million leap forward Wednesday with the announcement that two industry heavyweights are going to invest in development of the project near Monhegan Island. A subsidiary of the Mitsubishi company, called Diamond Offshore Wind, is joining with RWE Renewables to invest the $100 million to build and deploy a full-scale, floating wind farm at the site, about 14 miles off Maine’s coast. The new company, called New . . . Complete story »
