Wind Energy Investing

Tulsa World reports every year the rare and endangered whooping crane, totaling 266 in population, migrate from Canada to Texas.  The growth of the wind energy industry has placed them in danger again.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife estimated 40,000 turbines will be placed as an obstacle to the 200 mile corridor the cranes pass through in Canada, Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.  They state not only do the turbines pose threat to killing the birds, but turbines, power lines, transmission towers, and roads are invading their habitat.  The American Wind Energy Association has no intentions to harm the birds, but doesn’t feel regulations of their turbine sites should apply.

KCBD.com reports Texas was recently named the #1 wind energy producer in the United States.  More wind farms are expected to go up as they contribute greatly to the local economies through property tax, state tax, and create jobs.  Don Handley, a resident of West Texas, has spent $10,000 to install a 33 ft wind turbine in his backyard.  That turbine is expected to bring him a saving of 50-75% on his monthly electric bill.

PJStar.com reports the Zoning Board of Appeals denied a change for a proposed wind farm in Bureau County because it would boost the cost by $18 million.  The Bureau Valley School Board is in favor of the 150 turbine wind farm, but the change to bury all transmission lines has placed it in jeopardy.  Currently, all transmission lines to the substation are underground, but those that connect it to the power grid are above ground.  The project is estimated to create $1.8 million in tax revenues for schools and $33,000 for Bureau County. 

Dallas Business Journal reports a research study on the ecological and socio-economic impacts of wind power development will be conducted by Texas Christian University and Oxford University and will be funded by FPL Group.  The five year project is expected to provide specific guidelines for Texas wind projects and provide general guidelines for renewable energy efforts.  The study will focus on the three things:  turbine impact on bats and birds; ecological impact from turbines; and the socio-economic impact from wind developments.  All field research will be completed at FPL wind farms across the country.

The Dalles Chronicle Local News reports a proposed six mile chain of wind turbines in Mosier, Oregon will be revised because of a meeting held between the Oregon Department of Energy and UPC.  It could take several months to submit the new information for different wind turbine sites because the changes are so extensive from the original proposal.  The initial plan, Cascade Wind Project, called for 40 turbines to create 60MW of wind energy capacity.  Family of Sevenmile are strongly opposed to this project because it would bring an industrial complex to a residential area, would invade wildlife habitats, and destroy delicate plant species in the area.

CapeCodTimes.com reports the Vineyard Conservation Society remains neutral on the issue of the Cape Wind Project even though they support alternative energy in general.  Martha’s Vineyard Commission voted agains the project unless there was a comprehensive ocean zoning plan in place.  Another group, the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head opposed the offshore project because it would disturb the view of the sun, but the group does support land turbines in regulation.

NewsOK.com reports residents of Edmond, Oklahoma weren’t even aware wind energy was available to power their homes.  Less than 3% of Edmond Electric’s customers are using the wind power option that was introduced in 2004.  The Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority says the wind farm that produces their power created 150,000 MW and only 50,000 MW are being used by nine out of thirty-five cities.

WGMD.com reports the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee has voted to release two issues involving wind energy to the full House for a vote.  The first issue would determine if Controller, Russ Larson, would represent the vote to move forward with a proposed wind project 11.5 miles off the coast of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.  The second issue involves the cost of the project.  If the House votes “yes” the $1.6 billion cost of the project would be spread to all Delaware energy users.  Currently the project would be funded by Delmarva Power & Light residential and small business customers.

WDTV.com reports a proposed wind project by AES would place 65 wind turbines in the counties of Randolph and Barbour, West Virginia.  The City Council of Elkins will hold a meeting to oppose the Laurel Mountain Wind farm with the argument that the turbines will ruin the scenery and destroy the environment.

BloggingStocks.com reports wind turbine manufacturers, such as General Electric and Vestas Wind Systems are benefitting as wind power becomes more prevelant across the U.S.  Xcel Wind Energy is buying 67 wind turbines from GE for a wind farm in Minnesota.  GE had a 45% market share  in 2007 and the company expects an increase of 25% this year in sales to $6 billion.   The top “wind potential” states are North Dakota, Texas, Kansas, South Dakota, Montana, and Nebraska.  According to the American Wind Energy Association, the U.S. increased wind energy by 45% to produce 5,244 MW in 2007, and it is estimated the similar figures will appear for 2008.