Wind Power News Archive: Missouri
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch in its noncommercial educational mission 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. The original articles, links to which are provided, may have additional links and photos and other media that were not included here.
Wind line dealt severe blow
The Illinois Commerce Commission recently approved the hotly contested Rock Island Clean Line high voltage transmission line, a similar, sister project to Grain Belt Express but imposed conditions that likely will be showstoppers for the private company. The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), the state’s utility regulatory board, recently ruled on the proposed Rock Island Clean Line (RICL) high voltage transmission line and dealt them a severe blow by the conditions placed on it. The line that would stretch from northwest . . . Complete story »
For crop duster pilots, wind towers present danger
Crop dusting pilots are the adrenaline junkies of the agriculture world. They whiz through the air, flying under power lines to sow seeds or spread pesticides on farmers’ fields. It’s a dangerous job, and now these pilots are facing a new challenge – short towers that can sprout up in fields overnight. These towers are used to gather data for wind energy companies. Pilot Mike Lee started Earl’s Flying Service in Steele, Mo., in the early 1970s and he’s been flying . . . Complete story »
Energy utility puts US wind assets up for sale
NTR has formally put its remaining US wind energy assets up for sale, with initial bids expected in the New Year. The Dublin-based renewable energy-focused utility has shifted its focus to Europe and intends to invest approximately €50m in 150 megawatts worth of construction-ready windfarm projects across Ireland, Scandinavia, and Britain over the next 12 months. While this plan was criticised by shareholders at the group’s AGM in September, so too was the retaining of remaining US assets. However, at . . . Complete story »
Several farmers against proposal bringing wind energy to Missouri
MONROE COUNTY – Several mid-missouri farmers said they’re currently trying to prevent the approval of a proposal that would bring more renewable energy to Missouri. The Grain Belt Express transmission line, a 750 mile long line, would be built across Missouri if the proposal goes through. The line would transfer wind energy to several states including Missouri. However, the proposal would also cause several 150-200 foot transmission towers to be built across mid- Missouri, including on several farmers’ land. Kevin . . . Complete story »
Company puts wind farms up for sale
The company that built and operates the Post Rock Wind farm in Ellsworth and Lincoln counties has put the farm up for sale. St. Louis-based Wind Capital Group LLC appointed Marathon Capital LLC to launch the sale of Post Rock, as well as its Lost Creek wind farm in DeKalb County, Missouri. The company cited “favorable market conditions,” for its decision to sell. The process will formally launch later this month, with a view to seeking bids from interested parties . . . Complete story »
Proposed power line across northern Missouri debated
The Missouri Public Service Commission has started taking testimony from those for and against running a high-voltage power line across northern Missouri. The $2.2-billion Grain Belt Express project would run that high-voltage line and associated converter stations from just south of St. Joseph in northwest Missouri to just south of Hannibal in northeast Missouri. That line would carry power from wind turbines in Kansas east to Missouri and power grids in eastern states. The company behind it, Clean Line Energy . . . Complete story »
PSC hearings on Grain Belt transmission line begin
Missouri regulators began hearing testimony Monday on a proposed transmission line that would bring electricity from Kansas wind farms across Missouri to population centers in the east. Clean Line Energy Partners, based in Houston, seeks permission to erect a 750-mile, high-voltage transmission line that would deliver 3,500 megawatts to Illinois, Indiana and states farther east. The company also says as many as 500 megawatts would be available for Missouri customers. Clean Line wants the Missouri Public Service Commission to grant . . . Complete story »
Promise of cheaper wind power drives Grain Belt Express power line
COLUMBIA – A 750-mile interstate power line promises to deliver wind-generated electricity to Columbia at nearly half the price the city now pays. But the savings cannot be certain until the line is built and contracts are proposed. Columbia would pay $20 to $30 less per megawatt-hour for electricity, according to Clean Line Energy Partners, the company behind the project. Clean Line’s proposed Grain Belt Express transmission line would connect wind energy producers in southwestern Kansas to Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. . . . Complete story »
City Council approves rezoning, endorses wind power
In its first meeting of fiscal year 2015 last night, the Columbia City Council approved the rezoning of a property on Tiger Avenue that will allow the lot to be used for surface parking by the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. The five to one decision requires the statement of intent for the property be amended to remove parking garages from its proposed uses. Thomas Snider, President of the Chi Mu Alumni Association, said the rezoning was a crucial component of . . . Complete story »
Pulling the plug on wind farm near Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge was the right move
A developer has appropriately dropped its controversial plan to build a large wind-power project near the Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge. Wind is a desirable renewable resource, which can help wean the region and the nation from fossil fuels that create harmful pollution. However, the proposed wind farm’s large turbine blades would have threatened the lives of migrating snow geese, trumpeter swans, pelicans and other flying species, trumping the need to construct it there. The project also could have disrupted . . . Complete story »
