Utility T&D reports that Wisconsin Power and Light Co. has been approved to build the Cedar Ridge Wind Farm in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin. The 41 Turbines will generate 60 - 99MW. The farm is expected to be operational by the end of 2008. There are ongoing avian and bat studies that WPL will have to schedule around.
Hemscott http://www.hemscott.com reports that AES Corp., a Virginia power company, is researching a site on the along the Randolph-Barbour county line for a wind facility. If the site is feasible, 60 turbines will be built that could power up to 35,000 homes. The company will continue collecting data for about 18 more months. If all is approved, the farm could be built as soon as 2009.
UKPRwire http://www.ukprwire.com reports that, “leading Ayrshire creative agency Paligap has won”a new project with Scottish Power Renewables. They will produce a packet with a supplemental DVD aimed at wind energy education for school-age children and teachers visiting the Blacklaw Wind Farm.
ArgusLeader.com http://www.argusleader.com reports that a five member panel will meet today in Sioux Falls, SD to discuss how to increase wind power production in South Dakota, the nation’s leader in wind power potential. The panel is made up of members of the U.S. Department of Energy and wind research and advocacy groups. The meeting was called by Senator John Thune.
The Age http://www.theage.com.au reports that a new issue has risen from the building of wind turbines. Who owns the wind? In Germany there is a dispute between two wind turbine operators. The operator of an existing farm claims that if the new, larger facility proposed by a local businessman is built, it will create a “slipstream”, which will decrease the airflow to his turbines, therefore cutting his profits by up to 15% over the life of the turbines. Germany is a leader in renewable energy production, so we are likely to see more court battles like these.
Kpho.com http://www.kpho.com reports that the Aragonne Mesa Wind Project, located in eastern New Mexico, was dedicated by Arizona Public Service Co. this week. The wind farm will produce enough electricity to power up to 23,000 homes. APS will buy all of the power it produces. At this time, all 90 turbines are up and running.
Capitol Hill Blue http://www.capitolhillblue.com reports that Congress ordered a study that would “be the most complete compilation of environmental impacts, and impacts on humans, positive and negative, from wind energy that’s yet been done”. The study says that environmental and wildlife issues need much attention and poses many questions that should be answered when planning for wind energy projects.
Lancaster Online http://local.lancasteronline.com reports that Lancaster County is considering its first wind farm. The proposed farm location would be at the county landfill in Manor Township. Aesthetics, noise, and bird safety are all concerns that will be investigated. Interestingly, the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority is proposing the project. Executive director James Warner says, “The fact is, we do own a public asset that we believe has great potential to further renewable energy development.”
Daily Record http://www.kvnews.com reports that Washington Governor Chris Gregoire has 60 days to make a decision on whether to approve the Kittitas Valley Wind Power Project. The state Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council has recommended approval of the project. This approval overruled the decision made by the local government, creating contention between county and state officials.
Wsls.com http://www.wsls.com reports that a government study shows that the rotating blades on wind turbines could pose a threat to bats, night-migrating songbirds, and some hunting birds. The threat is more pronounced in coastal areas. Scientists recommend further studies on the matter.