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.
Deerfield black bear wind turbine study ongoing
Vermont wildlife officials are sifting through a decade’s worth of data to learn more about the impacts of wind turbine development on black bears. The state commissioned a study on black bears and the Deerfield wind development built in 2017 in Readsboro and Searsburg. It looked at how the bears interacted with the different phases of the development from baseline studies through the construction of the 15 turbines there now. Jaclyn Comeau, the black bear project leader for Vermont Fish . . . Complete story »
Endangered whales at risk from offshore wind, NOAA scientist warns
Planned wind projects off the New England coast threaten to harm the region’s dwindling population of endangered right whales, according to a US government marine scientist. The warning from a top National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration official, obtained by Bloomberg under a Freedom of Information Act request, underscores the potential legal and environmental perils of offshore wind development along the coast. President Joe Biden has a goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind within the decade. Both initial construction . . . Complete story »
Willmar, Minn., wind turbines may be nearing end of their useful life
With the original manufacturer no longer in existence, it is becoming more and more difficult for Willmar Municipal Utilities to find replacement parts for its aging wind turbines. Willmar, Minnesota’s wind turbines, constructed and put into operation in 2009, may be close to the end of their useful lifespan to generate power for the city. The lifetime expectancy for the turbines was estimated to be 20 years when constructed. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find replacement parts needed . . . Complete story »
New Logan County wind farm draws threat of lawsuit
Beason, Ill (WAND TV) – The Logan County board has approved a proposed wind farm in a 5-4 vote, but opponents of that wind farm are considering legal action to stop the construction of dozens of wind turbines. Wind farms have been a spark to controversies burning in communities across the state. Kristen Petersen, part of the Logan County Residents Against the Top Hat Wind Factory group, believes the group will have strong grounds for appeal for the way a . . . Complete story »
Two dead after wind blade truck overturns in South America
The people who died were in one of two pickups which were impacted by the truck, Brazil’s Federal Highway Police said. The accident occurred at 5pm on 9 November near the city of Petrolina. The people in the other pickup involved were not injured. Breathalyzer tests carried out on the drivers of both the pickup and the truck showed no signs of alcohol consumption, police said. GE confirmed to Windpower Monthly that the truck was carrying a blade to Neoenergia’s . . . Complete story »
After victory at the polls, anti-wind group evolving into Crawford Citizens United
A core group of Crawford Anti-Wind members have formed a new organization, saying they want to keep citizens informed on local issues. The Crawford Citizens United Facebook group was created Wednesday afternoon and within 24 hours, had 75 members. Crawford Anti-Wind was formed early this year as part of an effort to block development of Honey Creek Wind, a 300-megawatt industrial wind farm Apex Clean Energy planned to build in the northern half of Crawford County. On Nov. 8, voters . . . Complete story »
Offshore wind energy faces local backlash
Plenty of people in Ocean City, a popular beach community south of Atlantic City, are dead-set against a project proposed by Orsted and PSEG that still needs state approval to bring a power line onshore. “We don’t want this here in any way, shape or form,” said resident Suzanne Hornick, a leader of local opposition to the plan. She cites concerns about damage to the environment, the possibility of higher rates being charged to consumers, and the general lack of certainty about what is a brand new industry in this country. Complete story »
Wind farms in Brazil are encroaching on traditional community land
Government-backed wind farms have expanded in the northeastern state of Bahia, but face disputes with communities farming on commons pastureland. Its energy is known for being clean, but its rapid expansion across Brazil’s Northeast region has not been so polished. In the state of Bahia, the country’s leader in wind generation, communities in at least 11 municipalities are experiencing conflicts with companies in the sector, some of which have been involved in disputes for more than a decade. Some 248 . . . Complete story »
National Weather Service releases statement on proposed Logan County Wind Farm
Lincoln, Ill. (WCIA) – The day before a vote is scheduled to take place on a proposed Wind Farm in Logan County, WCIA received a statement from the National Weather Service on the issue. An initial statement was made clarifying questions WCIA had on how the wind turbines may or may not impact the National Weather Service Radar in Lincoln. Statement from the National Weather Service Office of Public Affairs in Silver Spring, Maryland On the Top Hat Wind Farm . . . Complete story »
Wind resistance
There’s no shortage of wind blowing across the Great Lakes. Turning that wind into energy could be a big step towards lowering carbon emissions in the region. And despite plenty of studies showing vast energy potential, the Great Lakes still don’t have any offshore turbines. That could soon change. A first-of-its-kind project has been approved for Lake Erie: six turbines, eight miles from the Cleveland shoreline. But it hasn’t come easy. Public opposition is the biggest barrier to building wind . . . Complete story »
