Wind Power News: Maine
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Bethel passes restrictive wind ordinance
After a 45-minute discussion and some criticism of the way the issue was handled, voters at Wednesday’s Bethel Town Meeting approved a restrictive commercial wind ordinance. As was described to selectmen at their May 8 meeting and at the June 5 public hearing, the Ordinance Review Committee crafted the proposal, using Woodstock’s ordinance as a general guide. Bethel town officials highlighted three key areas: setbacks from adjacent properties, decibel levels, and height of towers. The Bethel ordinance stipulates that a . . .
Saco looking to get rid of wind turbine
SACO – Since 2008, a 100-foot wind turbine has stood tall on York Hill, greeting visitors as they crossed over the Saco River to the city. Now, less than 10 years later, the city is planning to remove the structure which has never lived up to the city’s expectations. The wind turbine was purchased and installed by Entegrity Wind Systems in February 2008 for about $200,000. A contract with Entegrity Wind guaranteed the turbine would produce about 90,000 kilowatt hours a . . .
Maine wind power’s next phase will be strange for firms used to competing
PORTLAND, Maine – Maine wind power is a rural business. That fact provides a conflict point for advocates who say it’s a boost to those rural economies and detractors who argue wind farms mar the landscape. It also frames a point both sides can agree on: Without new power lines, Maine wind power development is at a standstill. Setting aside both arguments, it’s a curious regional infrastructure issue, which is the focus for Alan McBride, the director of transmission strategy and . . .
St. George to vote on wind, solar power issues
St. George – Voters will have a say on two renewable energy projects June 13 in addition to the St. George Municipal School Unit budget and state bond question. One question will ask whether voters approve of the town entering into an agreement with a solar company to install panels on the roof of the Transfer Station. The other will ask whether voters will allow the town to establish a committee and hire legal representation to negotiate benefits should power cables . . .
Wind project might not be for the birds
After reading your April 30 editorial (puff piece) about “hundreds of millions in investment” and “hundreds of high paying jobs” from a proposed wind energy test site, it’s obvious you didn’t think about the negative impact of such a project. Although I don’t live on Monhegan Island, I view it from Pemaquid Light regularly and consume the seafood produced there. I am very concerned about this project. The project will ban all types of fishing in the immediate area for . . .
Groups say billions needed to jumpstart stalled wind energy development in Maine
After a decade of rapid growth, wind energy in Maine has hit the doldrums. No big new wind projects are likely to go live anytime soon, and it could cost billions to unlock enough of the state’s wind resource – the best in the region – to serve southern New England’s thirst for renewable energy. Almost every year since 2007, a new wind energy plantation has gone into service in Maine. Last December, New England’s biggest-yet joined the mix, spinning 56 turbines . . .
Bill to move UMaine offshore wind project dies in committee
AUGUSTA, Maine – A legislative committee on Tuesday unanimously voted against a bill aimed at forcing the University of Maine to move a pair of demonstration floating wind turbines farther from the coast of Monhegan Island, keeping the project alive. The bill, introduced by Sen. Dana Dow, R-Waldoboro, would bar wind turbines within 10 miles of Monhegan Island. Members of the Energy, Utilities and Technology committee said that forcing a relocation in the midst of an ongoing permitting process would set . . .
Lawmakers vote against moving UMaine wind project farther from Monhegan
AUGUSTA – A bid to move a nationally significant wind energy test site farther from Monhegan Island suffered a major setback on Wednesday when a key legislative committee unanimously voted against a bill to do that. With little discussion, the Energy, Utilities and Technology committee agreed that while some islanders and their supporters had valid concerns about the project, overturning the ongoing review process would set a bad precedent. At issue is the Maine Aqua Ventus offshore wind project, a plan . . .
Editorial dismissive of concerns about Monhegan wind project
Your recent editorial “Our View: State should not block ocean wind project” (April 30) was condescending to and dismissive of supporters of a bill that would move massive wind turbines from the shores of Monhegan Island to a more suitable location. Those on Monhegan who favor this legislation – half of the island’s registered voters – and others, like the more than 125 Friends of Muscongus Bay, are concerned about much more than just scenic views. We are concerned about . . .
Monhegan residents weigh in on wind bill
Monhegan residents, fishermen and environmental groups packed a committee room in Augusta Tuesday to testify on a bill that would cancel the University of Maine’s proposed 12-megawatt floating offshore wind project sited about 3 miles from Monhegan. LD 1262, sponsored by Sen. Dana Dow (R-Lincoln Cty.), would prohibit the placement of wind turbines within 10 nautical miles of the Monhegan Lobster Conservation Area. Since 2009, Maine Aqua Ventus (MAV) – a consortium of private and public entities led by the University . . .
