Wind Power News: Texas
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.
Texas’ sixth largest wind production in world costs taxpayers and consumers billions
Critics argue Texas’ lead in the wind industry, which includes wind facilities, turbine manufacturers and financiers, is enabling large energy corporations to profit at the taxpayers’ expense. The state and some energy companies argue the implementation of wind energy from sparsely populated West Texas to the densely populated, higher energy using East Texas, was an unprecedented undertaking implemented by multiple stakeholders within a short timeframe. If Texas were a country, its installed wind power capacity would be the sixth largest . . . Complete story »
Wind farm meeting resistance
PAWNEE – The effort to build a wind farm in north Bee County continues as staff with Lincoln Clean Energy hope to meet soon with county officials. While not formally requested, it is expected that the company will request a tax abatement from the county for the project. Passage of that measure will be up to the residents there and the commissioner who represents them. “I know two people that want to do this and live in the county,” Commissioner . . . Complete story »
State mandates driving demand for renewables
At least four states have boosted their goals for expanding renewable energy this year, joining several others that are directing power generators to produce more electricity from wind turbines, solar panels and other non-polluting sources. These mandates are increasingly driving the development of renewables nationwide, accounting for about half the growth in clean energy nationwide, according to the National Council of State Legislatures, a bipartisan group that represents state lawmakers. The latest states to adopt more aggressive goals for expanding . . . Complete story »
Commissioners approve tax incentives for wind farm near Mart
McLennan County Commissioners on Tuesday approved the framework of a tax abatement program with Prairie Hill Wind Project, which proposes placing 100 turbines in McLennan and Limestone counties at a cost of $330 million. The wind farm reportedly would prove a major boon to the Mart Independent School District, though officials have not released exact numbers on property tax generation. The county would get $50,000 payments annually from the developer, French energy powerhouse Engie, during the 10-year life of the . . . Complete story »
Sprawling $330 million wind farm could get county tax break
McLennan County officials are considering tax incentives to get the wheels turning on a $330 million project to scatter 100 wind turbines across McLennan and Limestone counties, which would generate tax revenue for local government and power for thousands of homes. French energy powerhouse Engie, with North American offices in Houston, continues efforts to place a wind farm on unincorporated land near the 2,000-person Mart community, having pursued easement deals with dozens of property owners. Engie spokeswoman Julie Vitek said . . . Complete story »
Wind turbines and their fight against severe storms
LUBBOCK, Texas– As two tornadoes touched down in Lynn County in early May, wind turbines were in their path. This left many people wondering, how strong of storms can wind turbines manage? Most wind turbines are built based off of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, or an international blueprint for wind turbines. This would ensure their infrastructure is stable enough to endure diverse weather conditions. Mark Harrall, with Group Nire Renewable Energy, said typically the wind turbines operate in . . . Complete story »
Abatement not best idea for wind farm
As a resident of Cooke County I am writing to oppose granting a tax abatement for the proposed Wildcat Creek Wind Farm. As a former economic development professional and having served as an official with responsibility for economic development policy and programs at the state and federal levels, I have had extensive experience in considering when a tax abatement is an appropriate tool to attract a significant economic development project. Typically, a tax abatement is only considered appropriate when the . . . Complete story »
As blades continue to turn, Galveston officials address stuck trucks
It has become a common sight in recent years. A truck hauls a massive windmill blade west along Harborside Drive from Port of Galveston toward Interstate 45. The truck is on its way to the mainland – to a wind farm somewhere in West Texas, perhaps – but first must negotiate the tight turn off Harborside and onto the Galveston causeway. On a good day, the truck hits a curb while making a wide turn, briefly leaving the roadway, and then successfully . . . Complete story »
Worker falls from wind turbine, critically injured
LUBBOCK, Texas – A contract worker is in the hospital with critical injuries after he fell 50 feet from a wind turbine in Hale County. It was at the Hale Wind Project. He’s 26 years old. His name has not been released. Complete story »
Fight over wind power ramps up in Texas
Last fall, Keith Uhles, an engineer with the oil-and-gas firm CrownRock Minerals, invited other young West Texas professionals to join him at a popular Midland Mexican restaurant for a conversation about renewable energy subsidies. The event promised to explore ways to reduce the “public costs and restore transparency and meaningful public participation” to renewable energy policy, according to the invitation. It was organized by the Midland Liberty Leadership Council – Uhles is the chairman – an arm of the Texas Public Policy . . . Complete story »
