Pacific Business News http://www.bizjournals.com reports that Kaheawa Wind Power has begun it’s native plant restoration effort as promised. They had contracted with Hoolawa Farms to replace native plants that were displaced during construction of the wind farm.
Tyndall Tribune & Register http://www.tyndallsdnews.com reports that South Dakota is being urged by a panel of experts to get on board with wind energy production. The state ranks third in wind potential, but 23rd in development. Proponents of wind power stress that there are loans and grants available to purchase renewable energy systems and make efficiency improvements.
Boston.com Business http://www.boston.com reports that American Superconductor Corp. will be providing its D-VAR reactive compensation product (voltage regulator) for a wind farm currently under construction on Prince Edward Island in Canada. The West Cape wind farm is being developed by Ventus Energy Inc. out of Toronto.
Tapei Times http://www.taipeitimes.com reports that Taipower, the sole electricity supplier in Taiwan, plans to erect 200 wind turbines by 2010, and an additional 546 by 2020. The Bureau of Energy has set a goal to meet 10 percent of the country’s electricity needs with renewable energy by 2010. Wind power would account for 80 percent of that. There are 103 turbines already working at 13 wind farms that could generate enough energy for up to 105,000 homes.
Amherst Daily News http://www.amherstdaily.com reports that the Municipality of Cumberland has decided to defer it’s decision regarding a bylaw that would dictate how close turbines can be to residences until May 2nd because they want more time to review the facts. Opposers of the Atlantic Wind Power project are happy with the decision. Some residents would like the turbines to be no less than 2km away from their properties. They are concerned about property values and health hazards.
Post-Bulletin http://www.postbulletin.com reports that an announcement has been made of a new wind plant project by Minnesota Power. The 10 turbine plant could power 250 - 300 homes. Pending all applicable approvals, the plant could be ready in 2008, with part of the cost offset by increased rates.
Kennebec Journal http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com reports that Competitive Energy Services filed papers to appeal the Board of Appeals rejection of the wind turbine project. Their position is that the Board of Appeals should not have heard the appeal, which overturned the Planning Board’s approval, at all because it was not delivered until 3 days after the deadline. The Attorney for one property owner who opposes the project is said to have mailed the appeals the same day. Three of the copies are missing. The appeals board agreed with opposers that the turbines would exceed the town’s noise ordinances, but there were conflicting studies.
The Bluefield Daily Telegraph http://www.bdtonline.com reports that the West Virginia State Supreme Court has decided to intervene in the debate about the proposed 124 turbine wind farm in Greenbrier County. Mountain Communities for Responsible Energy (MCRE) opposes the project and is thrilled with the decision. Beech Ridge Energy has already spent over $1 million on its effort and reps are very disappointed, but remain hopeful. So far in West Virginia there is one facility already operating, two already permitted, and as many as 10 other sites on review.
Summit Daily News http://www.summitdaily.com reports that the practice of buying offsets may need further scrutiny. Offsets are when renewable energy certificates are purchased ensuring that for the amount of energy that is used, an equal amount of wind energy will be replaced in the “grid”. The concerns are centered around credibility and also that the community is side-stepping the issue instead of working toward less consumption.
Wcco.com http://wcco.com reports that the Kenyon Wind project, in southeastern Minnesota, has met with some opposition from the Citizens for Environmental Rights and Safety. They would like to see more research done before moving forward. The group worries that the nine turbine farm would affect land values, safety, and noise. The project manager said, ”objections to the project are primarily aesthetic and the concerns expressed are not substantive.”