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.
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 . . .
‘Cronyism’ row councillor will speak at public hearing over turbine emails
A Turriff councillor implicated in a “cronyism” row over plans to build a 150ft wind turbine will face a standards commission hearing. Sandy Duncan first submitted a proposal to instal the turbine at Beechwood, near Forglen, three years ago. Planning permission has been withdrawn several times and the scheme was stalled at the Court of Session last year. Mr Duncan was then accused of “cronyism” after he called on fellow councillors to back his plans. The SNP member used an . . .
Oil producers turn to wind power
The Netherlands wants to build the world’s largest offshore wind project, and an unlikely company is helping: Royal Dutch Shell. The oil-and-gas giant is facing shareholder pressure to develop its renewable business. Add in falling construction costs for such projects, and Shell has decided to join a handful of other oil companies aiming to leverage their experience drilling under punishing conditions at sea. Norway’s Statoil is already building its third offshore wind farm, in the Baltic Sea, and is developing . . .
World’s biggest wind turbine maker sinks after Trump victory
Shares in Vestas Wind Systems A/S plunged after U.S. voters unexpectedly propelled Republican nominee Donald Trump to the presidency, sparking concern that the renewable- energy industry will face future political headwinds. The world’s biggest maker of wind turbines fell as much as 14 percent and traded 6.6 percent lower at 440.10 kroner as of 12:50 p.m. in Copenhagen. Stock of the Danish company already lost ground last week after U.S. polls tightened, bringing this year’s declines to about 10 percent. . . .
Buy local: wealthy Vermonters go big on state elections
Though individuals are barred from contributing more than $4,000 to a single statewide candidate, Blittersdorf's giving history is a case study in how creative contributors can donate unlimited sums under Vermont and federal laws. In addition to the $4,000 he's given to Scott's rival, Democratic nominee Sue Minter, Blittersdorf has contributed $20,000 directly to the Vermont Democratic Party — and another $20,000 to the party through two businesses he controls, Aeolus Labs and Georgia Mountain Community Wind. He's helped out traditional political action committees, such as Vermont Conservation Voters PAC and Renewable Energy Vermont PAC, to the tune of $4,000 apiece. And he's also dabbled in super PACs: Two weeks ago, he cut a $25,000 check to Vermont Conservation Voters Action Fund, which has spent more than $166,000 this month on postcards promoting Minter and attacking Scott.
