Wind Watch: Industrial Wind Energy 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 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.
New solar farm planned as Tri-Cities officials back WA bill to halt energy projects
A Washington state bill that would temporarily stop state approval of wind and solar energy projects got the backing of Benton, Yakima and Klickitat county officials at a public hearing of a legislative committee this week. The hearing comes as an application for a huge wind farm along the top of the Horse Heaven Hills south of Kennewick is being considered by the state agency and several companies are interested in developing solar projects in Benton County, according to officials . . . Complete story »
Green energy firms face new push in Kansas to restrict them
A bill before Thompson’s committee would make it easier for landowners who’ve leased land for wind or solar farms to void those leases, particularly if there’s no construction after three years. Another bill before the Senate Local Government Committee would set statewide zoning rules for wind and solar farms. The Local Government Committee’s hearing included testimony from a U.S. Department of Defense official who said statewide rules in Oklahoma had been helpful in preventing wind farm development from causing problems for military training activities. Complete story »
Windfarm plans opposed as Dumfries and Galloway community questions accuracy of environmental impact assessment
Dumfries and Galloway councillors this week unanimously agreed to lodge a formal objection with the Scottish Government to a huge windfarm development. Council officers had numerous concerns about a bid to construct 45 wind turbines at the Faw Side site – 6.8km to the north of Langholm – and councillors are now in agreement. Community Wind Power has submitted an application to the Scottish Government to create the windfarm on land that stretches across both Dumfries and Galloway and the . . . Complete story »
Fears of ‘giant ring of steel’ in Far North Queensland with wind farms set to border national parks
Dozens of giant wind turbine blades are being unloaded at a Far North Queensland wharf as part of another massive wind farm project for the region, despite opposition from the community. Twenty-eight turbine generators will be erected at the Kaban Green Power Hub, 48 kilometres south of Mount Emerald in the picturesque Atherton Tablelands. The 79-metre, 32-tonne blades have been arriving at Cairns Wharf from where they will be driven on semi-trailers up a winding range to the farm, which . . . Complete story »
Arizona regulators reject new clean-energy rules after years of debate
Arizona regulators have again killed rules that would require Tucson Electric Power and other state-regulated power companies to reach 100% carbon-free energy generation by 2070. The latest twist in the years-long effort by the Arizona Corporation Commission to revamp the state’s clean-energy rules drew fire from supporters who say the rules are crucial for Arizona’s future. The commission voted 3-2 on Wednesday to reject the proposed energy rules, with all three Republican commissioners voting against the measure. The commission had . . . Complete story »
Wind farm lights disturb night skies — Washington County News
I’ve been to Frankfort many times over the years to attend high school sporting events and various other activities. It’s been nice to see evidence of a bit of community rebirth over the last several years, with previously vacant downtown storefronts getting new business tenants, improvements made to the city park and swimming pool and signs of a general pride and progress in what is otherwise a pretty typical rural small town. The Frankfort community should be proud. But as . . . Complete story »
MidAmerican Energy Company proposes wind farm in Mills and Pottawattamie Counties
MidAmerican Energy Company is proposing a 400-megawatt farm comprised of approximately 120 to 140 wind turbines that would be located in portions of Mills and Pottawattamie Counties. “About 88% of the energy we delivered to our customers came through renewable energy sources over the course of the year, mostly through wind energy. We would like to raise that number to 100%, and this wind farm would help us get through that finish line,” MidAmerican Energy Company’s Geoff Greenwood said. So . . . Complete story »
Windmill facility presents difficult question for ensuring bird safety
The New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting issued a siting permit for a 33-turbine wind energy facility to be located near the Oak Orchard/Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area near Lake Ontario. That creates a conundrum for people like me. I understand the need to swap out oil for wind, but at the same time we must protect our wildlife resources. The obvious question is: Can we do both? One hint of the problem that can be encountered is that . . . Complete story »
In major reversal, Arizona utility regulators kill 100% clean-energy rules in the state
Three Republican utility regulators have voted down a proposal for 100% carbon-free energy in Arizona that was considered, debated, workshopped and offered for public comment for more than five years. The rules appeared on the verge of passage last year when Jim O’Connor, a Republican member of the Arizona Corporation Commission, and Anna Tovar, a Democratic member, reached a compromise. But O’Connor backtracked Wednesday and voted against that deal, saying state rules were not necessary. It was the second time . . . Complete story »
Maintenance concerns raised over mammoth wind turbines proposed for Kilkenny
A community group that opposes wind farm development in Kilkenny city’s rural hinterland now fears that an interested company may be unable to maintain such infrastructure if built. EDF Renewables Ireland, a subsidiary of French energy giant EDF, have reportedly been among those who have expressed an interest in the area. EDF share prices plummeted earlier this month after the French Government demanded that they sell excess energy to rival companies. Save Our Hills are worried about the long-term financial . . . Complete story »
