Dunedin Citizens' Climate-Change Forum

A number of citizens wanting to see a more positive response to the
challenges posed to Dunedin and its environs by peak oil and climate
change will hold a public meeting in the Hutton Lecture Theatre of the
Otago Museum on Thursday 30 November 2006 at 7.00 pm. All interested
people are invited to participate.

Speakers Bob Lloyd and Leah McBey will outline the scientific and
practical issues, followed by discussion. Plans will be discussed to
set up a Society or Trust along the lines of the recent Hampden
community initiative, to work on creating a more secure, self-reliant
and vibrant community that is better prepared to sustain itself, meet
the essential needs of future generations, and encourage new
sustainable opportunities.

The organisers, who include Bob Lloyd, Anton Oliver, Chris Perley, Geoff
Craig, Jean Harris, Jinty MacTavish, John Cocks, Marc Schallenberg, Mark
Haggerty, Mark Jackson, William Clifford, Elizabeth Eccles, and Jocelyn
Harris, will invite ideas from all sectors of the community so that a
plan of action can be developed.


Contact no: Jocelyn Harris, 477 7187
www.uplandlandscapeprotection.org

New Zealand News 26th Nov 2006

New ZealandNews
25 Nov 2006

DOC wary of Meridian wind farm
The Department of Conservation has told planners that Meridian Energy’s billion, 176-turbine Project Hayes windfarm on the Lammermoor Range in Central Otago should be turned down if conservation concerns cannot be addressed. Yesterday, Otago conservator Jeff Connell said DOC had filed a submission with the Central Otago District Council seeking conditions that address a range ... Complete story »


New ZealandNews
24 Nov 2006

Submissions on Meridian wind farm a record
More than 800 submissions have been received on a planned Central Otago wind farm, with the Department of Conservation submitting an opposing view to the rest of the government. Submissions closed on Friday afternoon on Meridian’s Project Hayes wind farm which would be one of the largest in the world. The Government has made a submission ... Complete story »


New ZealandNews
24 Nov 2006

DoC against Meridian wind farm in Central Otago
The Department of Conservation says an application by Meridian Energy to build an 176-turbine wind farm in Central Otago should be declined unless it provides more information about its effect. Resource consent submissions close on Friday afternoon for the planned Maniototo wind farm which would be one of the world’s largest. In its submission, DoC says ... Complete story »


New ZealandNews
24 Nov 2006

Wind farm plan gets gusty response
A huge wind farm planned for Central Otago is getting a gusty response. Meridian Energy wants to build 176 wind turbines on central Otago’s Lammermoor range. “The South Island needs new generation capacity and this is a great use of a renewable, clean, natural resource,” say Meridian Energy spokesperson Alan Seay. The million government-backed project would be ... Complete story »

New Zealand News 21 Nov 2006

New ZealandNews
21 Nov 2006

Policy vacuum over wind farms claimed
The people who will decide whether the Project Hayes wind farm can proceed are operating in a policy vacuum, it was claimed yesterday. Meanwhile, opponents of the wind farm say they are not dispirited about the Government’s decision to back the project, and they still want the project abandoned. Minister for the Environment and Dunedin South MP ... Complete story »

New Zealand News

New ZealandNews
16 Nov 2006

Report urges community involvement in windfarms

Expansion of the nation's electricity generation by wind turbines may be eco-friendly, but it's not winning hearts and minds in local communities, says Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Morgan Williams. Dr William's report – Wind Power, People and Place – released today, said tensions were being increased by the limited scope for most New Zealanders to ... Complete story »

A Simple Solution to the Power Crisis - Pull The Plug On Comalco & Close The Bluff Smelter

CAFCA

The Campaign Against Foreign Control of Aotearoa (CAFCA) congratulates the Government on belatedly realising that "the market" was never going to do anything about shortfalls in electricity supply. The power companies have a vested interest in maximising their profits and returns to their shareholders, and no responsibility for a guaranteed supply. So, once again, the wheel has to be reinvented and the State assume a hands on role in the essential sector of power supply.

While the Government is about the business of sorting out the mess that the past two decades of ideological madness have made of the electricity system, it could solve the current shortage by one simple move – by pulling the plug on Comalco and closing the Bluff aluminium smelter.

That smelter is the single biggest electricity user in New Zealand, consuming around 15% of the country's power. From its inception, more than 30 years ago, the Bluff aluminium smelter and Comalco have had a sweetheart deal with whatever Government is in office. It has a special (and still secret) price for its electricity. It has a deal unavailable to anyone else. Comalco has never hesitated to cite that advantage as the sole reason for its staying in NZ, as opposed to relocating offshore.

Last time there was a crisis, the Government paid the company to close one potline at the smelter. We suggest that they go the whole hog and close the place down. Obviously there would be some job losses but the Government could justify it as being in the national interest. Over the three decades of its controversial existence, the smelter has proven to be good for Southland but very definitely bad for New Zealand. To use an unparliamentary phrase, we get sweet bugger all out of its operation in our country. Until well into the 1980s, it didn't even pay tax.

Comalco has always existed in its own parallel universe, within New Zealand. None of the New Right buzzwords of transparency or accountability apply to it. Indeed, it is out of step with the ideologues, as it wants continued cushy treatment from Government, such as super cheap power, at a top secret price. So while we are being exhorted by politicians, civic worthies and celebrities to eat cold porridge by candelight, the solution to the electricity shortage is obvious – shut down this parasite that has been draining 15% of our national grid for more than 30 years. That would free up a huge block of electricity to be used much more productively than subsidising one of the world's biggest transnational corporations.

Murray Horton Secretary/Organiser CAFCA (Campaign Against Foreign Control of Aotearoa) Box 2258, Christchurch, New Zealand: cafca@chch.planet.org.nz  http://www.cafca.org.nz/

News Watch 16th November

News Watch

[ a service of National Wind Watch, Inc. ]

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OntarioNews
15 Nov 2006

Huron-Kinloss residents question setbacks

A group of Huron-Kinloss Twp. residents are questioning what are safe setback requirements for wind turbines? Andy Robinson attended the Nov. 6 council meeting, along with several other township residents, in regard to the setback requirements and health concerns caused by the wind turbines. He said reports he has seen stated that setbacks less than 1,000 ... Complete story »

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NewsNorth Carolina
15 Nov 2006

Electrical power blowing in N.C. wind

As a 24-foot rotor nosed into the breeze over Crabtree Valley, wind power officially flowed to North Carolina's electric grid Tuesday. Dr. Louis Mes' mountain-top turbine became the first wind producer to join N.C. GreenPower, a statewide program that buys electricity made from renewable energy sources such as the sun. The turbine, capable of powering the Louisiana ... Complete story »

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U.K.News
15 Nov 2006

Moorland windfarm plan is stalled by model flying club

Plans to build a windfarm on the moors above Todmorden have been blown off course by a model flying club. Coronation Power wants to put five 125-metre tall turbines at Flower Scarr Road to generate electricity for up to 10,000 homes. But a Government planning inspector has refused even to allow the firm to build a 60-metre ... Complete story »

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U.K.News
15 Nov 2006

Tourism 'must go green'

Scottish tourism must go green, according to industry leaders, with less dependence on short-haul flights into Scottish airports and protection of scenic areas against planned wind farms. They warned yesterday that the rapid growth in visitor numbers could be harmed if the wilderness was spoiled by power-grid pylons or turbines, including the prospect of offshore wind ... Complete story »

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U.K.News
15 Nov 2006

Wind farm safety plea

Wind farms are on the increase, and this is seen by many as good news for the environment. However, an increasing number of riders are becoming concerned about the effects this could have on their horses. In response, the British Horse Society (BHS) has fired up its wind farm campaign. It's keen to fly ... Complete story »

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IrelandNews
15 Nov 2006

Energia to develop 15 new Irish windfarms

Energia, an electricity supplier owned by ISEQ-listed Viridian, has entered into long-term contracts with developers for the construction of 15 new wind farms in Ireland. The windfarms will have a combined capacity of 165 Megawatts. The contracts have been entered into as part of the Government's initiative to increase electricity generated from renewable resources, launched in May ... Complete story »

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FranceNewsItalyGreece
15 Nov 2006

Vestas enters into a frame agreement with EEN

Vestas has signed a frame agreement with EDF Energies Nouvelles (EEN) for a total of 200MW for wind power plants in France, Greece and Italy. The wind power plants will be delivered during 2008 and 2009, and the frame agreement furthermore includes an option for delivery of an additional 200MW per year in the years 2008 ... Complete story »

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IllinoisNews
15 Nov 2006

City, Sierra Club can't agree; council meeting canceled

A special meeting of the Springfield City Council was canceled Tuesday after lawyers for the Sierra Club and the city could not decide on details of their latest agreement in time for the meeting. Ward 2 Ald. Frank McNeil, chairman of the utilities committee, wanted more time to review the agreement, said city council coordinator ... Complete story »

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LettersU.K.
15 Nov 2006

Wind turbines fatal to birds

There are many reasons to reject the building of wind farms anywhere in Britain. A search of the internet provides ample evidence of the environmental destruction of large areas of the countryside through the installation of turbines and infrastructure. Trees and hedges cut down, roads, pylons and electrical wires installed. However, one of our major concerns ... Complete story »

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U.K.News
15 Nov 2006

New row rages over windpower

A debate over a proposed wind farm near South Molton has been re-ignited by campaigners for and against the scheme. The views from Yes2Wind in North Devon, The Two Moors Campaign, and independent local campaigners came as a planning application for nine turbines at Batsworthy Cross, near Knowstone was submitted to North Devon District Council. As the ... Complete story »

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VermontLetters
15 Nov 2006

Wind is not the energy answer

Around Halloween, Leila LaRosa, the local face for UPC Vermont Wind, sent a letter to Sheffield and Sutton residents. The letter attempted to refute worries about industrializating otherwise protected ridges and assert that the project's value is worth the sacrifice. "They … ARE effective and they DO reduce our dependence on oil, gas and fossil fuels," ... Complete story »

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U.K.News
15 Nov 2006

Time's ticking on turbine schemes

As a dozen 100m-high turbines rise at Tick Fen, near Warboys, and a Government inspector decides whether to allow 15 similar structures between Conington and Boxworth, a plan for a wind farm at Woolley Hill near Alconbury is on the cards. The site, north of Brampton Hut and visible from the A14 and A1, already has ... Complete story »

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New ZealandNews
14 Nov 2006

Image of wind farms attacked

A newly formed lobby group has branded the clean, green image of wind farms a myth, and wants work postponed on all proposed farms until their effects can be independently assessed. "Wind farms have all the appearances of being clean and green but we can't keep gobbling up landscape at 140sq km every two years," Rational ... Complete story »

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MassachusettsNews
14 Nov 2006

Wind project shuts down but will blow back

Wind turbine construction on the Hancock side of Brodie Mountain will "button up" for the winter, Dale Osborn, president of DisGen Distributed Generation Systems Inc. of Lakewood, Colo., said Monday. But, he said he was confident work would resume in the spring despite a lawsuit from the developer of the abutting Snowy Owl Resort. Silverleaf Resorts Inc. ... Complete story »

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NewsOhio
15 Nov 2006

Push on for wind as energy source

Advocates of wind energy sought to get a step ahead of Ohio's new political climate Monday, urging the newly elected governor and Legislature to include windmills in the state's future energy plans. "While wind energy may not solve all of our energy needs - in fact, it likely won't - it is a key part of ... Complete story »

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EuropeIrelandNews
15 Nov 2006

Irish raise renewable energy target as EU debate heats up

Irish minister for communications, marine and natural resources Noel Dempsey has set a target to treble the contribution made by renewable energy from 5percent to 15percent of electricity produced by 2010. His announcement came at the launch of a new publication called Renewable Energy Development 2006. The report provides a broad overview of current policies in ... Complete story »

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News
15 Nov 2006

No magic bullet for carbon pollution: IEA

Nairobi, Nov 14: The world's economies have no alternative to boosting energy efficiency and lowering carbon emissions to tackle global warming, as clean energy lies decades away as a mainstream source, the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) said here on Tuesday. Claude Mandil, Executive Director of the Paris-based agency, issued what he called "a ... Complete story »

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New YorkNews
14 Nov 2006

Manheim wind turbine hearing is Monday

A public hearing on the town of Manheim's proposed wind energy facilities ordinance is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Dolgeville Fire Station. The draft ordinance includes suggestions made at a previous meeting and governs where towers could go, setbacks and other zoning requirements. There is no current wind turbine proposal before the Town Board, ... Complete story »

Turitea man fears he’ll have to go

A Turitea man says he will be forced from his home because Mighty River Power told him noise from wind turbines in the reserve will make his house uninhabitable.

Mark Nicholls has been living in his slice of paradise for 10 years. He has 20 hectares of native bush, 13ha of pasture, which he farms, and a view to die for. It is so private that he can bathe on his veranda.

He doesn't want to move, he said.

"It's hard to achieve what I have here on my budget."

He first heard the news 12 months ago that four wind turbines from the proposed Mighty River Power/Palmerston North City Council wind farm would be 500m from his boundary.

The state-owned power company's representatives told him the noise from the turbines would make his house uninhabitable, he said.

In city council documents on the wind farm, it said that at 500m from a turbine, the accepted standard of noise should be between 40 and 50 decibels.

The report, presented at the infrastructural well-being committee on October 18, said 40 decibels is equivalent to that of a public library and a loud radio would be 70 decibels. An Ashhurst family had to leave their house last year because noise and vibration from the Te Apiti wind farm made it impossible for them to stay.

Mr Nicholls said his life has been on hold for a year and he is angry that an SOE (Mighty River) and a city council (he lives in the Tararua district) can destroy his idyllic rural paradise.

"Mighty River Power has made a lot of noise that in the fullness of time they will discuss a relocation package. This has been going on for 12 months."

He has asked the energy company what is happening, because he wants to get on with his life.

"(They say) talks will take place in due course when the final location of the turbines has been established," he said.

"When you are told you can't live in your property, it changes your life. It's being told your life is going to change, but there is no qualification, no time frame.

"I don't know where I'm going to be in six months' time, one year's time. I can't plan.

"I feel that it's frustrating that one's life can be put on hold, not just mine, but my family's as well."

Mr Nicholls has a map of indicative sites for the turbines, but he wouldn't show the Manawatu Standard because of a confidentiality agreement.

By Helen Harvey

stuff.co.nz

News Watch 8th November

News Watch

[ a service of National Wind Watch, Inc. ]

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IllinoisNews
08 Nov 2006

Wind farm project draws opposition

About 150 people gathered for a public hearing Tuesday night to voice their opinions on the Lancaster Wind Farm project proposed for the Dakota area. That project is one of two wind-farms proposed for the county that call for building as many as 113 wind turbines on two rural sites. The Stephenson County Zoning Board of Appeals ... Complete story »

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U.K.News
07 Nov 2006

Wind Farms 'Blight Coal-Ravaged County' ; Durham Has Suffered Enough, Say Objectors

The latest in a cluster of wind farms for a corner of County Durham goes before councillors this week. The plan by EDF Energy is for four 102-metre turbines at Broom Hill Farm, between the villages of Sunniside and Stanley Crook. The site is within a 12-mile-wide circle which includes the Tow Law and High Hed-ley sites, ... Complete story »

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MassachusettsNews
07 Nov 2006

College reduces size, changes location of proposed energy turbine

Michael Gross, communications director for Cape Cod Community College, admits he was surprised when the Federal Aviation Administration had concerns about the original campus location of a proposed wind turbine. "I never noticed it until we got the determination," he said, " and then I must have seen five airplanes come over the Burger King the ... Complete story »

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U.K.News
07 Nov 2006

Villagers oppose wind farm plan

Villagers have voiced their opposition to proposals for a wind turbine farm on the Staffordshire-Shropshire border. Energy company Nuon Renewables are considering putting nine turbines in fields between the villages of Woore and Loggerheads in Shropshire. The firm has submitted a planning application for a test mast to assess if the wind conditions are suitable. But local residents ... Complete story »

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U.K.News
07 Nov 2006

Turbines proposals are thrown out

Plans for a wind farm in Nottinghamshire have been rejected. Developers wanted to install seven wind turbines measuring about 110ft (33.5m) high, near Eakring and Bilsthorpe. It was claimed they would provide green energy for hundreds of houses. But people living in the area said they would be a blot on the landscape. On Tuesday Newark and Sherwood ... Complete story »

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U.K.News
07 Nov 2006

Public pay for turbine mistakes

Communities are paying the price for public bodies' bad handling of windfarm policies, according to local MSPs. The Green Party has pointed the finger of blame at Perth and Kinross Council, while Tory MSP Murdo Fraser and the SNP's Roseanna Cunningham claim government groups such as Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency ... Complete story »

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New YorkOpinions
07 Nov 2006

Wind power supporters don't understand problems

Why is it that supporters of commercial wind power routinely ignore the ever-growing mountain of data demonstrating this technology's ineffectiveness? And why do they refuse to acknowledge increasing evidence that this kind of development is off the charts with respect to inappropriateness in rural communities? I believe those who think it's OK simply don't understand the ... Complete story »

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EuropeOpinions
08 Nov 2006

Blackouts should spark a rethink on power supply

These blackouts are unacceptable, thundered Andris Piebalgs, Europe's Energy Commissioner. Take it as gospel, then, that some electricity blackouts are probably a good thing and we should hope for a few more in the future. Politicians love to rant at big companies when they appear to fumble, but it's not clear that Sunday's scattered power cuts ... Complete story »

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AustraliaNews
08 Nov 2006

SA wind farm construction at second stage

Construction has started for the second stage of the Lake Bonney wind farm in south-eastern South Australia. SA Energy Minister Patrick Conlon has attended a ceremony marking the installation of the first of 53 wind turbines. Mr Conlon says the wind farm is essential to meeting the state's renewable energy target. Babcock and Brown Wind Partners spokesman Geoff ... Complete story »

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Northern IrelandNews
08 Nov 2006

Windfarm firm presses planners for new site

Renewable energy company Airtricity has said it has waited three years for a planning decision on a proposed wind farm in Tyrone. The revelation comes after the Government was urged to take immediate action by social partnership Concordia to tackle lengthy planning delays for wind farms in Northern Ireland. Airtricity operates wind farms in the province, but ... Complete story »

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MaineLetters
08 Nov 2006

Maine letters

Redington Wind Farm Risks Area Economy Doesn't anyone care about the devaluation of property surrounding these ugly wind farms? Does anyone notice they are not in the investors' back or front yards? They can sell their homes for top dollar. What about the millions of dollars worth of homes in Western Maine? Will anyone want to ... Complete story »

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LettersU.K.
08 Nov 2006

Profits for a few, and a blight for everybody

Martin Laing (November 6) makes a very valid point when he decries the siting of a wind farm as a background to Stirling Castle but he is not alone in being a nimby. The same situation is replicated all over Scotland. The wind farm on Ochils was approved by the executive in the face of ... Complete story »

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U.K.News
08 Nov 2006

Wind farm firm say they are sorry

The company that wants to build a wind farm of 15 100-metre high turbines between Conington and Boxworth last week publicly apologised for failing to consult local people properly. Your Energy Limited made the admission at the close of a three-week long public inquiry into its appeal against South Cambridgeshire District Council's refusal of planning consent ... Complete story »

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MaineNews
08 Nov 2006

Final public hearing to be held on wind project

FREEDOM (Nov 8): A controversial wind power project on Beaver Ridge will be the focus of a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Town Office. Competitive Energy Services of Portland has proposed to erect three wind turbines on Beaver Ridge to generate electricity for sale throughout New England. According to CES, the turbines ... Complete story »

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U.K.News
07 Nov 2006

Attack on new windfarm plan

An Orkney firm is being accused of cocking a snook at local public opinion through its second attempt to win the green light for a small windfarm in west Caithness. Scotrenewables earlier this year lost its appeal against the refusal of planning consent for three turbines near the top of the Hill of Lieurary, overlooking Loch ... Complete story »

Meridian Energy: “Project Hayes”

Meridian Energy: "Project Hayes"

Ecology Workshop

Tuesday 7th November 2006 10.45am to 3pm

Venue: Cargills Hotel, 678 George Street Dunedin (03 477 7983)


Meridian extends this invitation to you to participate in an Ecology
Workshop for the Project Hayes wind farm development.

Workshop Purpose

The purpose of the workshop is to provide an opportunity for an open
discussion of the ecological aspects of the Project and construction
related issues.

Workshop Format

Meridian's Ecological Consultants, Rob Jessop and Greg Burrell, of
Kingett Mitchell Limited will present the key terrestrial and aquatic
findings of the Project Hayes Ecological Assessment Report.  Len Wiles
of Opus International Consultants will address construction effects and
management in relation to the ecology of the site.

Please note the participating consultants are ecological and
construction specialists and will not address landscape, heritage or
amenity aspects of the project.

The workshop will begin informally at 10.45am with coffee and
introductions followed by the Presentations.  Key issues will be
compiled for discussion and response by Meridian, the consultants and
participants.

A working lunch will be provided at 1pm and coffee on closure at 3pm

RSVP
Please RSVP to chris.thomson@meridianenergy.co.nz or 021 754 189 by 4pm
Monday 6 November

Further Information/Queries
Please contact Chris if you require further information on the Project
or have any queries regarding the workshop.

Contact numbers
Consent Manager - Chris Thomson 021 754 189
Project Hayes Project Manager Alan McKinney 021 688 208

www.uplandlandscapeprotection.org

News Watch 3rd October

News Watch

[ a service of National Wind Watch, Inc. ]

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VirginiaNews
02 Nov 2006

Wind hearings under way

If you closed your eyes, you could almost hear the groan of the bureaucratic wheel slowly grinding. Monday marked the opening of the State Corporation Commission's hearing on Highland New Wind Development's proposal to construct the state's first industrial wind facility on Allegheny Mountain in Highland County. If the first day's proceedings are any indication, the ... Complete story »

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New YorkNewsOffshore
02 Nov 2006

High-profile campaign for planting turbines off Jones Beach wasn't just … Blowing in the wind

The high-profile campaign for a 40-turbine wind farm off Jones Beach may appear at times to be a spontaneous groundswell, but documents released to Newsday show a well-organized playbook behind the scenes. In a section of contractor FPL Energy's proposal for the project titled "community relations," the division of Florida Power & Light describes a well-orchestrated ... Complete story »

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QuebecOpinionsNews
02 Nov 2006

Charest's wind power plan a bit of hot air

To question the wisdom of wind power in Canada these days is to risk winding up impaled on a rotor blade. Environmentalists, politicians and investment bankers all seem to agree that wind energy is the next big thing. Unfortunately, few seem to have consulted Mother Nature on this. The truth is that the wind is about ... Complete story »

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TexasNews
02 Nov 2006

Wind turbines create a stir with landowners

John Richey of Chico is concerned about global warming and thinks that anything people can do to help the cause is worthwhile. With that in mind, Richey attended a meeting about wind turbines in Jacksboro on Monday night. The speakers at the meeting – held before a packed house in the Jacksboro High School auditorium – ... Complete story »

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New ZealandNews
02 Nov 2006

Mechanical problems hit Te Apiti windfarm

Manawatu's Te Apiti windfarm is having equipment problems two years after commissioning, but Meridian Energy says it is a normal shakedown of new kit. Chief executive Keith Turner said a range of problems had occurred, including gearbox problems, where the bolts had not been tightened properly by the maker. Assembly issues had also occurred, where the blades ... Complete story »

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TexasNews
02 Nov 2006

Jack County residents debate value of alternative energy source

A gathering of people in Jacksboro on Monday might go down in the books as an early skirmish in a looming battle that could pit neighbor against neighbor and play out in courtrooms across the region. The issue is wind. International companies are scouting the plains and hills, looking for places to put towering turbines ... Complete story »

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U.K.News
02 Nov 2006

Fleeing birds upset wind farm plans

Plans for a new £4 million community wind farm on the Shetland island of Yell have been stalled because three pairs of nesting birds abandoned their eggs before they hatched. The North Yell Development Council (NYDC) had hoped to start erecting five 850KW Vesta turbines between the villages of Cullivoe and Gutcher next year. This year the ... Complete story »

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PennsylvaniaNews
02 Nov 2006

Residents raise windmill concerns

When Pete Weaver learned that wind turbines could be installed into the surrounding area his initial reaction was positive, until he discovered that a wind turbine could be installed near his property line. "Most people react the way I did," said Weaver. "Who minds a wind mill? That is until you find out more about them," ... Complete story »

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MichiganNews
02 Nov 2006

Noble looks to erect 32 turbines in the spring

BINGHAM TOWNSHIP — Noble Environmental Power doesn't plan to get its windpark off the ground any time soon, but when it does, the company plans to erect the entire 32 turbines originally slated to be installed. "We're actually hoping to go forward in the spring with the original 32 instead of the seven, and ... Complete story »

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U.K.News
02 Nov 2006

No decision yet over contentious Argyll windfarm development

A decision over a controversial windfarm application which has attracted more than 600 letters of objection is unlikely to be made until early next year. An informal hearing into Eurus Energy UK Ltd's proposal to erect a seven-turbine windfarm at Largie, near Tayinloan, in Kintyre, Argyll, was adjourned yesterday. Members of Argyll and Bute Council's ... Complete story »

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NewsMontana
02 Nov 2006

PSC Oks policies to encourage alternative energy

The Montana Public Service Commission has endorsed new policies that could help the development of small, alternative power projects in the state. On two 4-1 votes Tuesday, the commission said small wind, hydro and other renewable electrical power projects will get long-term contracts at a standard rate to sell power to utilities. Such contracts would ... Complete story »

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EuropeNews
01 Nov 2006

Power firm buys into European wind energy

International Power (IP) has made a significant move into the renewable energy field with the €567m (£379m) purchase of wind farms in Germany and France. The British company, which operates six domestic gas and coal-fired power plants, has bought the 436MW of wind capacity from Christofferson Robb & Company (CRC). "This acquisition provides us with an immediate, ... Complete story »

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PennsylvaniaNews
01 Nov 2006

Wind turbine opponents request more restrictions

Once again, property rights proponents approached the Somerset County commissioners asking them to revisit a windmill ordinance and make it more restrictive. And once again, the commissioners indicated they would not do so, because they believe they have accomplished what is a fair and balanced ordinance after a long and elaborate process with extensive public input. That ... Complete story »

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VermontNews
01 Nov 2006

PSB Delays Hearings On Wind Farm

Changes to a proposed wind farm in Sheffield and Sutton have led the Public Service Board to delay technical hearings on the case. Hearings had been set to begin in early December, but have now been rescheduled for late January and early February, according to a PSB memorandum. UPC Vermont Wind is seeking approval from the PSB ... Complete story »

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New YorkNews
02 Nov 2006

County extends contract for study of wind projects

The county's study of the windmill issue continues as county legislators last week extended an agreement with a company hired as a consultant on wind energy projects by ,000. As three proposed wind energy projects are being developed in Herkimer County, Encap Development LLC was hired by the county last year to gain information about wind ... Complete story »

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U.K.News
02 Nov 2006

Wind farm plan scaled down after protests

Plans to build one of Europe's largest wind farms in Ayrshire have been dramatically scaled down after protests from the public and conservation groups. A total of 148 wind turbines had been proposed for Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park in North Ayrshire. But Australian developers Wind Hydrogen Limited have been forced to reduce that to 24. Both the park ... Complete story »

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U.K.News
02 Nov 2006

New turbine bid looks set for rejection

A scheme to build up to 12 giant turbines in a field near Swaffham is heading for rejection by planning officials. The project, currently the subject of preliminary consultation, is being proposed by Ecotricity, the company that built the two existing turbines near the A47 on the edge of town. Managing director Dale Vince indicated that he ... Complete story »

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New YorkNewsOffshore
02 Nov 2006

Records: LIPA customers would be hurt by wind farm

Energy from the proposed South Shore wind farm will cost Long Island ratepayers as much as double the wholesale cost of energy from other sources, according to previously confidential bidding documents obtained by Newsday. The wholesale cost that the Long Island Power Authority would have to pay for power from the wind farm would be .97 ... Complete story »

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NewsBritish Columbia
02 Nov 2006

Wind farm proposed near city

A Scotland-based company, which set up shop in Canada about a year ago, has its eye on a site near Prince George for a wind farm. Natural Power Consultants Ltd. is considering the top of Mount George near Stoner, about 30 kilometres south of the city, but whether one is built depends largely on how well ... Complete story »

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U.K.News
02 Nov 2006

Windfarm bid is tabled for village site

A windfarm with three 110 metre turbines could be built next to a village in Castle Morpeth's rural coalfield under plans drawn up by UK Coal. A planning application, which aims to redevelop a former coal handling store at Lynemouth, has been submitted to Castle Morpeth Council by Harwood Power Ltd. Doncaster-based Harwood, UK Coal's renewable energy ... Complete story »

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Nova ScotiaNews
02 Nov 2006

Nova Scotia Power pulls plug on wind project

BLACK RIVER, Inverness County — A multi-million-dollar six-megawatt wind project has been cancelled by Nova Scotia Power Inc. Black River Wind Ltd. president Neal Livingston said Wednesday the utility cancelled the -million project that would have seen five turbines erected this fall and next year. He said a disagreement over the dollar amount of a 0,000 performance ... Complete story »

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New ZealandNews
02 Nov 2006

Green light for wind farm

Hawke's Bay Wind Farm received the final nod of approval today to begin building its 75-turbine windfarm near Te Pohue on State Highway 5. The windfarm will be the biggest in New Zealand, generating about 225 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 100,000 homes. The wind power company had their plan approved by the Environment Court in ... Complete story »

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TexasNews
01 Nov 2006

Ireland's Airtricity gets funds for U.S. wind farm

Irish renewable energy company Airtricity said on Tuesday it had secured million in equity funding to help develop its Sand Bluff wind farm project near Big Spring, Texas. "We are pleased to have entered into this equity financing with investors led by JPMorgan Capital Corporation," Airtricity Chief Executive Eddie O'Connor said in a statement. Airtricity said ... Complete story »

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News Watch

[ a service of National Wind Watch, Inc. ]

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VermontLetters
31 Oct 2006

Wind is unreliable power

I hear comments from some folks who think UPC Wind's proposed project would lessen our dependence on Middle Eastern oil. They might be surprised to know that, according to the Department of Public Service Vermont Electric Plan, 2005, only 2.5 percent of our electric power is generated with oil. In Vermont, as well as nationwide, ... Complete story »

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New YorkNews
31 Oct 2006

Experts completing studies for Jordanville wind project

Experts studying the proposed Jordanville Wind Energy Project are in the process of finalizing additional environmental, geophysical and operational studies for the State Environmental Quality Review process as project developer Community Energy continues its extensive pre-construction review. Community Energy, based in Wayne, Pa., released the project's Draft Environmental Impact Statement in May. The additional studies are ... Complete story »

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IllinoisNews
31 Oct 2006

Lawsuit Filed Over Wind Farm

The large wind farm going up in Eastern McLean County is coming too close for comfort for one family. That's why the Taylor family outside Ellsworth has filed a civil lawsuit to stop construction on parts of the 0-million project. Rene Taylor says she has health and safety concerns regarding the Twin Groves Wind Farm. Taylor says a ... Complete story »

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U.K.News
31 Oct 2006

Island wind farm plans rejected

Plans for a wind farm near an area of outstanding natural beauty on the Isle of Wight have been refused. The £14m project, which would have seen six giant turbines installed at Wellow, was rejected by planners on Monday. Protesters had mounted a long-running campaign claiming the wind farm would have a negative visual impact on the ... Complete story »

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U.K.News
31 Oct 2006

Re-think after wind farm plan rejected

Battle lines for a possible appeal were already being drawn after the IW Council – as expected – threw out the Wellow Wind Farm planning application last night (Monday). Generator Your Energy has three months to decide whether to appeal against the decision to government, whether to re-submit, or scale down its application. The company said only ... Complete story »

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IllinoisNews
31 Oct 2006

Woodford meeting's 'recess' may be illegal

CONGERVILLE - Mary Truax thought the impromptu meeting was peculiar, and questioned it. The Woodford County Zoning Board of Appeals' chairman described it as a "recess." But if the Illinois Attorney General's Office is made aware of a private meeting among the members of the board before they voted on a wind farm permit Thursday, it could ... Complete story »

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New ZealandNews
31 Oct 2006

Wind farm gets council thumbs up

The Turitea Reserve wind farm took a major step forward last night after the city council voted to proceed with the project, but the vote split councillors and charges of secrecy over the proposal continue. The council voted 13 to three to change the purpose of the Turitea Reserve to allow renewable electricity generation, confirming the ... Complete story »

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U.S.News
31 Oct 2006

FPL profit rises 55 percent

FPL Group Inc., Florida's largest utility owner, said third-quarter profit rose 55 percent after gains in wind and nuclear power sales made up for the cost of its abandoned .4 billion bid for Constellation Energy Group Inc. Net income rose to 4 million, or .32 a share, from 9 million, or 87 cents, a year earlier, ... Complete story »

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EuropeNews
31 Oct 2006

Iberdrola to invest 400 mln eur in East Europe wind farms

Iberdrola SA will invest 400 mln eur to expand its wind farm business to eastern Europe through the acquisition of the rights to build parks in Hungary, Poland and Estonia, Cinco Dias reported, without citing a source. Iberdrola has acquired the rights for the construction of the parks, which will have a potential of 336 MW, ... Complete story »

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AustraliaNews
31 Oct 2006

Nats leader hails wind farm reverse

Energy giant AGL has suspended plans to build a controversial 48-turbine wind farm in Victoria's east. Although the energy company said the move was purely a business decision, Nationals leader Peter Ryan hailed the pullout as a community victory. "I think that (AGL) is conscious of the enormity of the opposition generated from Gippslanders," said Mr Ryan, ... Complete story »

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U.S.IllinoisNews
31 Oct 2006

An unnatural death: Wind turbines may have effect on bat populations

In popular Halloween folklore, vampires are able to transform into bats. And, of course, fiction tells us that one way to kill a vampire, and thus the bat, is with a stake through the heart. But in areas around the United States, a new potential bat killer has emerged - wind turbines. Since 2003, the concerns have grown ... Complete story »

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OntarioNews
31 Oct 2006

Point Pelee wind turbine proposal axed

A surge of opposition has diverted a plan to put wind-powered turbines on the Point Pelee peninsula. Boris Vondrus of Advantis Energy confirmed on Monday his company will respect the wishes expressed quite passionately at a Saturday night public meeting and look for a more bird-friendly location for the turbines. "We think we can find a ... Complete story »

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VirginiaNews
31 Oct 2006

Debate centers on environment; Highland wind farm's supporters and foes both claim high ground

One Virginia family has a vision of windmills grinding out clean electric energy on the Highland County mountaintop they own. Wind energy's supporters see it as preferable to power generated by burning coal or other fossil fuels. Wind power, they say, can cut pollution that sickens people and contributes to global warming. Opponents see windmills as a ... Complete story »

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VirginiaNews
31 Oct 2006

Public debate over wind farm still blows strong after 7 years

Seven years after first squaring off, supporters and critics of Virginia's first proposed industrial wind farm resumed their public debate Monday in Richmond. The State Corporation Commission is conducting its final public hearing on the Highland County proposal, which is expected to set a precedent for all future wind energy projects in Virginia. The Highland County proposal ... Complete story »

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TexasNews
31 Oct 2006

Speaking out against wind

Residents of Jack and surrounding counties nearly filled a school auditorium Monday to hear speakers presented by a group opposing wind turbines in the region. Jack County Concerned Landowners, which hosted the forum, invited residents of Archer, Cooke, Montague, Palo Pinto, Wichita, Wise and Young counties to attend. Arguing against development of wind energy were Jack Hunt, ... Complete story »

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VermontNews
31 Oct 2006

Barton Village seeks wind project details

The prospect of truck traffic carrying wind turbine parts through the village of Barton has prompted officials here to request details on plans for building the proposed Sheffield Wind Farm. "We had been hearing rumors they (UPC Wind Management) were coming up Route 16 (and) turning on to Duck Pond Road," to deliver construction materials, said ... Complete story »

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WisconsinNews
31 Oct 2006

Ordinance OK'd to regulate wind farms

TOWN OF WRIGHTSTOWN — The Town Board on Monday approved an ordinance that will regulate wind farms. The ordinance includes two provisions that Forward Energy representative Bill Blackmore opposed during the public hearing that preceded the board's 3-0 vote. Both have to do with the decommissioning or abandonment of a wind energy project in the future. One provision ... Complete story »

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New HampshireNews
31 Oct 2006

Windmill plan goes before residents

The negative feedback project manager Jeff Keelen has heard about the possible Lempster wind mill farm is subjective, he said. Most of the major concerns he has faced involve the visual or noise effects the wind mill farm could create. "It's hard to tell somebody that they should think the windmills are beautiful," Keelen said. Citizens will ... Complete story »