Wind Power News: News
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.
Solution a step closer for Te Rere Hau wind farm
Noise controls for a Manawatū wind farm will continue to be discussed with the microphones off after late-night discussions produced a possible solution. The Te Rere Hau wind farm operator NZ Windfarms arrived at the final day of a hearing on Thursday with new proposals for managing annoying noise that might satisfy the neighbours. Chief executive John Worth said they had been developed after “many hours” of discussion the night before with acoustic experts and affected neighbour Lee Huffman. The . . .
M&Ms are going to promote wind power in a new TV ad campaign
LONDON – Chocolate brand M&Ms will promote wind power in a global advertising campaign set to run later this year and into 2018. Chocolate and pet food giant Mars Inc this week announced a $1 billion sustainability drive, aiming to do its bit to tackle climate change and improve conditions for farmers in its supply chain. As part of the plan, Mars’ M&Ms brand will “champion the power of renewable energy and highlight the need for action in addressing climate change.” . . .
Oklahoma AG, PSO argue over case for $4.5 billion Wind Catcher project
The benefits of low-cost wind energy, customer risk and how potential savings for electricity customers are calculated were among the issues debated Friday in a regulatory hearing to dismiss a preapproval case for Public Service Co. of Oklahoma’s $4.5 billion Wind Catcher project. Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter’s public utility unit wants the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to dismiss the case, saying PSO didn’t follow competitive bidding rules and didn’t show a need for additional generation capacity. PSO and its sister . . .
Too many jellyfish in the sea? Blame wind farms and gas platforms
If you are noticing more jellyfish in the sea on your holiday this summer, the blame may lie just over the horizon. Scientists have discovered that offshore wind farms and oil and gas platforms inadvertently provide an ideal habitat in which the gelatinous creatures can thrive. Until now, the explosion in jellyfish numbers in oceans around the world has been largely blamed on over-fishing, which wipes out their natural predators, global warming and nutrient run-off. But now it seems that . . .
DeKalb County Board OKs wind testing towers
The installation of two 198-foot wind testing towers that will determine the economic viability of another wind farm in DeKalb County is slated for mid-July, now that EDF Renewable Energy has gained county approval. The DeKalb County Board on Wednesday approved two special-use permits for the San Diego-based company to install the testing towers in South Grove Township. Board members Misty Haji-Sheikh (D-7) and Jeff Whelan (R-10) voted against the permits, and Vice Chairman Tracy Jones (R-1) abstained. The board . . .
World’s biggest wind-turbine maker falls as Trump drops Paris
Vestas Wind Systems A/S, the world’s biggest maker of wind turbines, dropped to its lowest in 1 1/2 months after U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to exit the Paris climate accord threw into doubt the future of renewable energy. Vestas fell as much as 2.8 percent, and traded 2.2 percent lower at 572 kroner as of 10:32 a.m. in Copenhagen. It was the worst performing stock on the Copenhagen benchmark index of Denmark’s most traded companies, and was among the . . .
Low wind ‘tops’ onshore risks; GCube report highlights threat of lack of resources for projects
Low wind speed or resource risk is now the most pressing threat faced by onshore wind farm developers, owners and operators globally, according to a new report by GCube Underwriting. The report – ‘Risky Business: Assessing Future Threats in Onshore Wind Development, Financing and Operations’ – said low wind speeds are negatively affecting the ability of projects to deliver the output forecast prior to construction. “The inability to effectively transfer weather risk has led to numerous, high-profile examples of sub-par . . .
UN looks to protect birds from green energy threats
The global boom in renewable energy is posing new threats to birds say experts. At the UN climate conference in Bonn, researchers said wind turbines and power lines were a particular problem for migratory soaring birds. Shutting down wind farms on demand is one of the methods being tested to protect these birds from collisions. Other ideas being tried include placing highly visible deflectors every 20m on power lines. The Rift Valley and Red Sea flyways in Egypt are among . . .
Ocean City wants offshore wind farm at least 26 miles offshore; State Public Service Commission could issue decision May 17
OCEAN CITY – With the clock ticking on a Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) decision on one of two offshore wind project proposals off the coast of Ocean City, or perhaps both, resort officials this week decided to fire off another letter expressing their desire to have the turbines far enough beyond the horizon to have zero visual impact on the town. The PSC is currently reviewing two proposals for an offshore wind project off the coast of Ocean City and . . .
As land conflicts rise, clean energy investors face financial risks
Growing investment in renewable energy projects around the world is sparking more conflicts over land and resources in areas where they are built – a worry investors need to keep in mind, finance and human rights groups said Wednesday. Last year, a planned $150 million Kenyan wind park was cancelled after protests and land disputes, according to a report by the London-based Business & Human Rights Resource Centre and two investor group partners. Another wind farm in the Mexican state . . .
