Wind Power News: Asia
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.
Ministry proposes halt on offshore wind surveys
The ministry said developing offshore wind power was appropriate to the orientation of sustainable marine economy development and the commitment at COP26 to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. HÀ NỘI The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has proposed a temporary halt on appraisal and approval for the surveying of offshore wind power projects due to a number of legal and technical problems. The ministry said that it had received many proposals about offshore wind power surveying, including wind . . . Complete story »
Residents, fishery industry push back against offshore wind farm plans
Ambitious offshore wind farm projects in Korea are facing strong headwinds from local residents and the fishery industry citing the possible impact of the projects on the environment and fisheries. In a deadlock, both the energy and fishery industries are calling for the government to fill in regulatory loopholes in the process of obtaining consent from local residents. Korea has been deemed a promising market for offshore wind farms by energy companies both home and abroad amid the accelerating transition . . . Complete story »
‘I couldn’t get a TV signal’: The hidden downside of wind turbines in Japan’s Akita Pref.
AKITA – Wind power generation is being introduced across Japan both onshore and offshore as a pillar in the shift to renewable energy as a leading source of power. But the size of the wind turbines, which can tower as high as some tall buildings, and the rotation of their huge blades can apparently cause disruptions when they stand in the way of communication waves essential in people’s lives today. The city of Katagami in Akita Prefecture, which faces the Sea . . . Complete story »
‘The Sacrifice Zone’: Myanmar bears cost of green energy
The birds no longer sing, and the herbs no longer grow. The fish no longer swim in rivers that have turned a murky brown. The animals do not roam, and the cows are sometimes found dead. The people in this northern Myanmar forest have lost a way of life that goes back generations. But if they complain, they, too, face the threat of death. This forest is the source of several key metallic elements known as rare earths, often called . . . Complete story »
Illegal rare earth mining harms environment in Myanmar’s Kachin state
Unregulated mining of rare earth minerals in Myanmar’s Kachin state for export to nearby China is irreparably damaging the environment, local watchdogs in the northern state told RFA. Myanmar exported more than 140,000 tons of rare earth deposits to China, worth more than U.S. $1 billion between May 2017 and October 2021, a statement from China’s State Taxation Administration said. Since Myanmar’s military wrested control of the country from Myanmar’s democratically elected government more than a year ago, exports to . . . Complete story »
New evidence shows massive and rapid expansion of illicit rare earths industry in Myanmar, fuelling human rights abuses, environmental destruction and funding military-linked militias
New satellite analysis from Global Witness reveals over 2,700 rare earth mining sites in northern Myanmar by March 2022, covering an area the size of Singapore. Myanmar now world’s biggest source of supply of heavy rare earths, used in green energy technologies including electric vehicles and wind turbines, as well as smartphones and home electronics. Illegal rare earth mines in northern Myanmar poisoning surrounding land and waterways, harming local communities, wildlife and environment. Mines are funding military-linked militias that control . . . Complete story »
Environment minister seeks moratorium on new wind farms to probe impact on nature
Seven new wind turbines that will tower over the Golan at the height of Tel Aviv skyscrapers were given the green light Monday by the National Infrastructure Council. If Environmental Protection Minister Tamar Zandberg has her way, they will be the last ones for at least five years. Zandberg said Monday she was seeking a five-year moratorium on new wind turbine projects to allow for an assessment of existing turbines’ effects on nature, and particularly on birds and bats. She . . . Complete story »
Israel skeptical about its wind farms due to ecological risks
Environment Minister Zandberg recommends suspending developments in country’s wind power generation, citing ‘negligible contribution’ to power production compared to severe toll on environment. Israel would reconsider expanding its use of wind power facilities due to the risk turbines pose to populations of migratory birds, the country’s Environmental Protection Ministry said on Monday. Environmental Protection Minister Tamar Zandberg presented her ministry’s white paper on the issue before the Knesset’s Committee on Special National Infrastructure Projects was set to convene to discuss . . . Complete story »
Push for more renewables may undermine Taiwan’s defense capabilities
Taiwan may find itself in a quandary over the needs to develop wind power and bolstering national defense after reports flagged wind energy infrastructure as a potential hindrance to military radar capabilities. The military has confirmed that wind turbines could interfere with the surface-to-air missile systems deployed in the northwestern coast of Taiwan. The low-frequency noise generated by the turbines is likely to affect the reflected radio waves that phased array radars need to detect signals of missiles or aircraft, . . . Complete story »
Protest held in Sri Lankan capital against proposed wind mill project by Adani Group
A demonstration was held here in the Sri Lankan capital on Thursday against the proposed wind mill project to be undertaken by India’s Adani group in the northeastern region of Mannar. The protesters from the Gotagogama (President Gotabaya go home) gathered at the busy Bambalapitiya sector south of Colombo. They held placards questioning the lack of transparency in the awarding of the project to the Adani Group while shouting slogans against the Indian business conglomerate. The 500 MW wind mill project . . . Complete story »
