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Wind Power News: General News
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch in its noncommercial educational mission to provide information about industrial wind energy development to readers seeking such information. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch. They are the products of and owned by the credited organizations or individuals and are shared here according to “fair use” and “fair dealing” provisions of copyright law. The original articles, links to which are provided, may have additional links and photos and other media that were not included here.
Councillors welcome refusal of wind turbine scheme as decision awaited on new proposal
Councillors have welcomed the rejection of a major wind turbine development while awaiting a decision on another proposed wind farm currently under consideration. At a meeting of Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council’s Planning Committee on Thursday, March 26, councillors were given an update on the Developments of National Significance (DNS) proposals currently under consideration in the county. Councillors welcomed the decision by Welsh Government planning inspectors at PEDW (Planning and Environment Decisions Wales) to refuse the application by RWE Power . . . Complete story »
Study warns offshore wind structures leach hazardous metals into marine environment
A new peer-reviewed study has warned that the rapid expansion of offshore wind farms could be releasing significant quantities of hazardous metals into marine ecosystems, with potential long-term consequences for seabed health and marine species. The research, published in Marine Pollution Bulletin and conducted by scientists from Bangor University, Imperial College London, and other institutions, examined how materials used in offshore wind infrastructure – including antifouling coatings, galvanic anodes, and corrosion protection systems – leach metals such as copper, zinc, and aluminium . . . Complete story »
Windrad in Flammen – Sperrkreis besteht weiterhin
[Wind turbine in flames – exclusion zone still in place] Von weitem konnte man das Feuer in schwindelerregender Höhe gut sehen. Bei Bad Liebenwerda brannte ein Windrad. Ein Sperrkreis besteht weiterhin. Bei Bad Liebenwerda (Landkreis Elbe-Elster) hat ein Windrad gebrannt. Das Feuer, das an der Nabe ausgebrochen sei, sei mittlerweile erloschen, sagte ein Sprecher der Feuerwehr. Wegen der Gefahr durch möglicherweise herabstürzende Teile bestehe aber weiterhin ein Sperrradius von 230 Metern. Der Betreiber müsse nun in den nächsten Tagen nachkontrollieren. . . . Complete story »
Près de Falaise, les opposants aux éoliennes manifestent à nouveau leur mécontentement
Après le projet Neoen, les éoliennes de la société EnergieKontor ne sont pas plus acceptées à Ouilly-le-Tesson. Des habitants ne veulent pas du tout en entendre parler. Début juillet 2025, deux intervenants de la société EnergieKontor étaient présents à la salle des fêtes d‘Ouilly-le-Tesson, près de Falaise (Calvados), pour présenter le projet envisagé aux alentours de la commune. Ennergiekontor souhaite construire huit éoliennes hautes de 220 mètres en bout de pales. Comme pour le projet Neonen, société française, les opposants . . . Complete story »
Offshore wind deaths and injuries grow amid ‘new and evolving risks’
Safety experts said the fast-growing offshore wind industry faces “new and evolving risks” after a year in which they recorded more injuries and death amid increasing sector activity. The G+ Offshore Wind Health and Safety Organisation, which gathers data from many of the biggest players in the offshore wind industry outside China, said a fatality, recorded as part of its 2024 annual report, underlines the need for developers and the supply chain to focus on the issue. “A part of . . . Complete story »
Opposition to wind turbine projects in Slovenia
Wind farms discussed in debate hosted by National Council 2 June – The National Council hosted on Monday a debate on wind energy and the effects of wind farms on people and nature at the initiative of the Association of Civil Initiatives for Slovenia. With representatives of investors absent, the debate mostly heard arguments against wind farms. Neighbouring mayors oppose Macelj ridge wind farm 11 April – Mayors of five municipalities in the hilly area of Haloze near the border . . . Complete story »
Councillors voice objections to Kaim Hill wind farm plan
Councillors have voiced objections to the erection of 14 wind turbines on the highly picturesque Fairlie Moor Road, warning they will have a negative visual impact on the area and affect residents’ health. And Kilwinning SNP councillor Scott Davidson told Wednesday’s planning committee they would be twice the height of the prominent Ardrossan turbines. The Scottish Government’s Energy Consent Unit consulted the council, as planning authority, on an application for the erection of 14 wind turbines with a maximum tip . . . Complete story »
Vessel in deadly sinking after wind turbine collision ‘failed to keep lookout’
A fishing vessel that sank after crashing into an offshore wind turbine – sending 10 crew members overboard, with one confirmed dead and one never recovered – had failed to keep a proper lookout, finds a report into the incident. The deadly incident occurred in August last year in the Yellow Sea, which is nestled between China and the Korean Peninsula. The vessel, 36 metres in length, was returning to port around midnight when it struck a wind turbine, according . . . Complete story »
How a storm of lawsuits paralysed wind mills in northwest Spain
Jose Maria Cofreces is the owner of a guesthouse in northwestern Galicia, one of Spain’s most picturesque regions and a major tourist draw. It is also one of the windiest parts of the country, and that has made it a magnet for developers of giant wind turbines that can stand higher than 50-storey tower blocks. Cofreces is among those at the vanguard of opposition in Galicia. Echoing the tactics of rural communities across Europe, the protesters have used the courts . . . Complete story »
Is clean energy powered by dirty batteries?
Lithium-ion batteries are a linchpin of the clean energy transition. They power electric vehicles and allow us to harness wind and solar power even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. They are also used widely in electronics most of us use daily, from smart phones to earbuds. Demand is anticipated to grow exponentially over the next decade. Unfortunately, lithium-ion batteries themselves aren’t so clean. Even aside from much-discussed environmental issues with lithium and cobalt mining, these . . . Complete story »
