Wind Power News: Europe
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.
Glenullin windfarm plans stalled
Plans to build a new electricity substation and overhead lines in the Glenullin area have been deferred after councillors expressed concerns over potential health risks. The decision to seek further advice from the Public Health Agency emerged after a lengthy debate over an application by network operator SONI during the first planning committee meeting of the New Year, on Wednesday. Planning officers had recommended approving the planning application. However, councillors voted in favour of a proposal tabled by Alderman George . . . Complete story »
Yell wind farm developer takes six turbines out of plans
Plans for a wind farm in Yell have been reduced by six turbines as its developer seeks to address concerns from agencies including Historic Environment Scotland and others. A further six turbines have been shortened in height by 20m to 180m as part of the revised plans for the proposed Energy Isles wind farm in the north west of Yell. The wind farm project, which is backed by Norwegian energy giant Statkraft, now proposes to build 23 turbines. It had . . . Complete story »
Challenge to wind farm permission to be fast-tracked
A challenge to An Bord Pleanála’s permission for a wind farm straddling the Laois-Kilkenny border is to be fast-tracked in the Commercial Court. Pinewood Wind Ltd, the developer, says the 11-turbine wind farm involves an investment of between €70 and €80m and its construction will involve about 100 jobs over a 12- to 18-month period. Today, Mr Justice David Barniville granted an application on behalf of Pinewood to fast-track the challenge to the Board’s permission decisions of September 2019. The . . . Complete story »
Brookfield targets Donegal
Coiste Timpeallacht Ghaoth Beara/the Gweebarra Conservation Group are calling on voters in Donegal to question election candidates on environmental issues. The Group, which was established 21 years ago, have written to local Councillors and TDs to express their anger that Donegal is again under siege from investment companies intent on profiting at the expense of the environment and the way of life enjoyed by the community and visitors alike. On December 19th, 2019 Brookfield Renewable Ireland Ltd, a subsidiary of . . . Complete story »
‘We’ve taken our fair share of windfarms’
‘We’ve taken our fair share of wind-farms’ was the strong view of councillors at Monday’s full meeting of Kerry County Council, where revised national ‘Wind Energy Development Draft Guidelines’ were debated. Over 350 wind turbines operate in Kerry, producing between 16 and 19 percent of the country’s wind energy output. This caused many councillors to say Kerry has done its ‘fair share’ in terms of energy generated from wind. The draft guidelines propose a setback distance of four times the . . . Complete story »
Wind farm developer wants more turbines in the north-east
An energy firm has lodged plans for its second north-east onshore wind farm. Vattenfall’s proposed Clashindarroch II project is made up of 14 turbines with each one nearly 600ft tall. If approved, it would be close to the company’s existing Clashindarroch installation near Huntly, which has been operational since 2015. According to documents submitted, Vattenfall hopes to have the second wind farm built by 2023. It would be connected to the grid the next year and could generate between between . . . Complete story »
Wind farm developers not interested in helping pay for new radars
An idea was pitched in the Renewable Energy Support Group of the Riigikogu that wind energy companies could potentially pay for new radars in part themselves. Developers, however, are not interested in the prospect. While an Estonian Defense Forces (EDF) radar scheduled to be completed in 2024 will expand scope of territory where new wind farms may be built in the future, this still won’t be enough in the future. For example, a large part of Ida-Viru County in Northeastern . . . Complete story »
Gravemaskin til tre millioner utbrent i vindpark: – Vi er triste og forbannet
En utbrent gravemaskin og sprengningsmatter i brann møtte arbeiderne på jobb i Frøya vindpark fredag morgen. Entreprenøren mistenker sabotasje. [subscription required] Three-million-krone excavator burned at wind farm – Contractor: “We are sad and cursed” A burned-out excavator and blasting mats on fire met the workers at the Frøya wind facility on Friday morning. The contractor suspects sabotage. Complete story »
Drum Hollistan wind farm bid ‘completely unnecessary’
A plan to create another wind farm in the Reay area is “completely unnecessary”, according to a local campaigner. Brenda Herrick hit out this week after a proposed development was outlined to Highland councillors at a north planning committee meeting. Drum Hollistan Renewables LLP wants to construct seven turbines each with a maximum blade length of 125 metres to generate up to 20 megawatts of electricity. The wind farm would be built 2.1 kilometres west of Reay adjacent to the . . . Complete story »
Mad as the sea and wind: Wind power in France: A lie and a swindle?
[Cliquez ici pour la version Française.] The public’s disenchantment with wind power is growing rapidly: its supporters have become a minority. More and more French people are concerned about the environmental and health damage and the blots on their country’s famous landscapes as a result of its massive development. They are also exasperated by the cavalier methods used to impose it, and the corruption of elected officials that too often accompanies it. But the French still do not realize, due . . . Complete story »
