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.
Michael Moore–produced ‘Planet of the Humans’ doc pulled from YouTube, director cries ‘censorship’
The Michael Moore–produced documentary “Planet of the Humans” was pulled from YouTube overnight due to a “copyright claim by a third party” – prompting writer-director Jeff Gibbs to denounced the removal as a “blatant act of censorship.” “It is a misuse of copyright law to shutdown a film that has opened a serious conversation about how parts of the environmental movement have gotten into bed with Wall Street and so-called ‘green capitalists,’” Gibbs said in a statement Monday. “There is absolutely . . . Complete story »
Michael Moore film Planet of the Humans removed from YouTube
YouTube has taken down the controversial Michael Moore–produced documentary Planet of the Humans in response to a copyright infringement claim by a British environmental photographer. The movie, which has been condemned as inaccurate and misleading by climate scientists and activists, allegedly includes a clip used without the permission of the owner Toby Smith, who does not approve of the context in which his material is being used. In response, the filmmakers denied violating fair usage rules and accused their critics . . . Complete story »
East Renfrewshire doesn’t need any more wind turbines, says Scotland Against Spin
A campaign group has spoken out against plans for more wind turbines in East Renfrewshire. Scotland Against Spin – an independent alliance campaigning for the reform of what it says is the Scottish Government’s unsustainable wind energy policy – says East Renfrewshire already has way more than its fair share of wind turbines. Plans were submitted last month by Moorshield Wind Farm Ltd for the erection of three 81m high wind turbines, together with sub-station/control building and access tracks, on . . . Complete story »
Developers answer safety concerns over huge windfarm proposal
The developers of a massive new wind farm between Largs and Skelmorlie says there is no risk to communities after concerns were raised over low level infrasound noise. Formal plans have now been unveiled with 150m high turbines between Largs and Skelmorlie – sparking concern from Skelmorlie Community Council and Cllr. Ian Murdoch. Skelmorlie Community Council have put in an objection to planners citing up-to-date evidence from the World Health Organisation. The proposed development of 10 wind turbines could power . . . Complete story »
Éolien: le grand revirement d’Emmanuel Macron | Macron’s reversal on wind
Adoptée par décret le 21 avril, la programmation pluriannuelle de l’énergie (PPE) prévoit d’accélérer le développement, très contesté en France, de l’éolien. Il y a quelques mois pourtant, le président de la République affirmait vouloir freiner son essor. Le vent aurait-il tourné? La feuille de route énergétique de la France à l’horizon 2028 est désormais gravée dans le marbre. Adoptée par décret gouvernemental le 21 avril, la programmation pluriannuelle de l’énergie (PPE) pour 2019-2028 affiche la volonté française de réduire . . . Complete story »
Botetourt project changes part of wind industry’s move toward taller turbines
If wind turbines are allowed to tower up to 680 feet into the sky from a Botetourt County mountaintop, they would be higher than the tallest ones currently in the United States. But should the county’s board of supervisors approve a request from Apex Clean Energy to build up to 22 modern windmills as tall as a 50-story building, it wouldn’t necessarily set a new record. That’s because at least three other wind farms with even higher turbines are likely . . . Complete story »
Wind farms were paid record £.9.3m to switch off their turbines
Wind farms in Britain were paid a record £.9.3m to switch off their turbines on Friday, The Telegraph can disclose. More than 80 plants across England and Scotland were handed the so-called ‘constraint payments’, when supply outstrips demand, by National Grid, as thousands of buildings lying empty following the coronavirus lockdown contributed to a nosedive in demand for energy. In what has been declared a “national embarrassment” and a power management “disgrace” by campaigners, consumers will ultimately foot the bill . . . Complete story »
Lake Erie wind turbines approved — but can’t operate at night, which could sink project
CLEVELAND, Ohio –The Ohio Power Siting Board on Thursday approved six Icebreaker wind turbines in Lake Erie, in what could be the first freshwater offshore wind farm in North America. But the board placed 33 conditions – including that the turbines could not turn at night between March 1 and November 1, to limit risk to birds and bats. The developer, the nonprofit Lake Erie Energy Development Corp. Lake Erie Energy Development Corp. (LEEDCo.) says the limits may kill the demonstration . . . Complete story »
DOE lab: Turbine power plunges when tax credits go away
Wind farms often produce less power when they age past the 10-year mark because the loss of federal tax credits halts maintenance – a finding that could shift policymakers’ plans for climate policy, according to a new study from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The research, published in the journal Joule last week, is the first comprehensive account of how wind turbines across the United States degrade over time, according to researchers. Wind made up close to 8% of the nation’s power . . . Complete story »
Wind farm input given, pro and con
CUMBERLAND – More than 40 citizens provided comments Wednesday during a public hearing on the proposed Dan’s Mountain Wind Farm. The Maryland Public Service Commission held the hearing via video and phone conferencing with Chief Public Utility Law Judge Ryan C. McLean presiding. In a case that has dragged on for several years, the plan has placed representatives of Dan’s Mountain Wind Force LLC against Allegany Neighbors and Citizens for Home Owners Rights (ANCHOR) Limited, a citizens’ group opposing the project. . . . Complete story »
