Wind Power News: Press releases
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.
Researchers warn of ‘urgent’ need to understand impact of windfarms on precious peatlands
Environmental scientists at Nottingham Trent University have for the first time mapped the extent of known windfarm infrastructures, such as wind turbines and vehicle tracks, on recognised blanket bogs in Europe. Blanket bogs – a rare type of peatland commonly found in areas with lots of rain and low temperatures – are typically found on hill summits where wind energy potential is higher, making them attractive sites for windfarm developments. They have a range of beneficial ecosystem services, improving water . . . Complete story »
As whale deaths rise, Senate Republicans call for temporary halt to wind farm survey work
“Senate Republicans are deeply concerned by the surge of whale deaths that has occurred since December in the waters and on the beaches of the Jersey Shore and neighboring states,” said Senate Republican Leader Steven Oroho (R-24). “As many of my colleagues have pointed out, the only change in our waters recently has been the start of survey work for the construction of offshore wind farms. It seems like too big of a coincidence to ignore, especially when some of . . . Complete story »
Senator Polistina calls for suspension of all offshore wind development activity following multiple whale deaths
After six dead whales washed up on area beaches, Senator Vince Polistina (R-Atlantic) urged Governor Phil Murphy to order a suspension of all offshore wind development activities so that a full and proper investigation can be conducted to determine any connection between the deaths and ongoing work. “We should suspend all work related to offshore wind development until we can determine the cause of death of these whales, some of which are endangered,” Polistina stated. “The work related to offshore . . . Complete story »
Statement by Senator George Borrello on NYSERDA Feasibility Study
Albany – Senator George Borrello heralded a recently released report by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) on the feasibility of placing wind turbines in the Great Lakes. The report found a lack of benefits to these potential projects, noting, “Great Lakes Wind currently does not offer a unique, critical or cost-effective contribution toward the achievement of New York State’s Climate Act goals beyond what more cost-competitive programs are expected to deliver …” In response to . . . Complete story »
More cable failures at European and UK offshore wind farms
Lower wind speeds and cable problems hit first-quarter earnings at Denmark’s Orsted, sending shares in the world’s biggest offshore wind farm developer lower on Thursday. The Danish offshore wind giant, Ørsted, has released its Interim Financial Report for the first quarter of 2021, and has revealed that up to ten of their European and UK wind farms are suffering from significant damage to connection cables. Repairs are currently estimated to cost in the region of 3 billion Danish Kroner (£350m) . . . Complete story »
Northern long-eared bat reclassified as endangered under the Endangered Species Act
The Service recognizes that the change to endangered status may prompt questions about establishing ESA compliance for forestry, wind energy, infrastructure and other projects in the range of the northern long-eared bat. Complete story »
Crawford Neighbors United hail vote
In what turned out to be a real life David versus Goliath saga, citizens in Crawford County, Ohio dealt a crushing defeat to a major energy corporation that had planned a wind power facility in portions of the county. Using a newly passed law known as Senate Bill 52, and in response to intense public pressure, commissioners earlier in the year had declared the County a “Restricted Area”, which prevented wind farm development of a large industrial scale. That in . . . Complete story »
Wind turbine wakes can impact downwind vegetation
Denver, CO. – The trails of disturbed air produced by wind turbines—known as wakes—can alter downwind temperatures and humidity, and a new U.S. Geological Survey study has demonstrated for the first time that wakes can impact vegetation in the vicinity. The study’s insight into the effects of wakes from wind turbines on vegetation is an important first step to understanding how wind energy affects terrestrial ecosystems. Wind energy is rapidly and globally expanding, with five-fold increases since 2010 and predictions of . . . Complete story »
Conservation groups to rally against proposed Sears Island wind turbines
SEARSPORT – Friends of Sears Island, along with members of Islesboro Islands Trust, Sierra Club Maine, and others, will present a rally for Sears Island on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the parking lot of Mermaid Plaza, 1 East Main Street in Searsport (the building with the blue roof on the right as you enter town from Belfast). The public is invited to attend and learn more about Maine Department of Transportation’s proposal to develop a . . . Complete story »
Website shines a light on offshore wind farms
(NEWPORT, Ore) Protect US Fishermen, an informal coalition of more than two dozen organizations concerned about the environmental and economic impacts of proposed offshore wind farms in the Pacific Ocean, launched a new website on Monday. Visitors to protectUSfishermen.org will find details not only on the current push to place wind turbine farms off the coast of Oregon, but also learn about the sustainable seafood industry and its positive impacts on the economy and food security. For those wishing to . . . Complete story »
