Mar 20 2008

The Revolution of Wind Power Posted by Angela Baker in wind turbine, wind power, news

Although the study and implementation of wind power is not a novice idea, it does seem to be a widespread deal lately.  One look at a renewable energy news resource shows numerous pages of stories specifically on the topic of wind power.  The purpose of today's post is to take a look at the news stories of one day, today, and give briefings on each.

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In the Telegraph & Argus, a story regarding a charity and a wind turbine unfolds.  The plan, the construction of a 15 meter wind turbine that was to provide power to a center for disadvantaged youth, has been rebuffed, however, by the planning panel of Bradford Council.  The concern of the residents who opposed the new technology was the increased air flow that would be created in the area in which the turbine was to be placed.  A new proposal will likely be created that involves moving the turbine to the opposite end of the center.

 

How do wind turbines affect wildlife?  That is the question that Keith DeWitt Lott, a wildlife biologist, hopes to answer through his latest research.  Although Cleveland, Ohio is interested in the positive effects that wind-based energy can bring to the city, they desire to go about it in an environmentally responsible way.  This news story was reported at Cleveland.com.

 

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review provided a short clip on the considerations the city's council currently has regarding using the high wind level in Green Tree Park to provide power to the park.  A wind turbine may be put in the park to help offset some of the costs the city incurs through leaving the lights on throughout the night.

 

The Bourne Carrier in Massachusetts reports the possibility of a wind turbine being constructed off Taylor's Point.  Three agencies, the Bourne Recreation Authority, Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) and Army Corps of Engineers, are seeking more ways to reduce their energy expenses and it is their hope to locate this alternative energy facility near the academy dock.  This turbine would also aid in the Corps lowering its canal operation expenses.  In addition to the wind turbines, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is also considering thermal panels on dorms and a hydro-electric facility. 

 

With every new idea come those who advocate it and those who oppose it.  The latter of these two extremes, opposition, is what is being seen in Maryland over a wind farm proposal.  Seven hundred residents arrived at hearings regarding this proposal with the intent of protesting the plans.  These individuals share the frustration of having an otherwise faultless landscape (including forest, lakes and mountain views) being interrupted by the wind farm's transmission lines webbing through the backdrop.  The threat to tourism is also a concern for some of the residents.  In response to the amazing opposition being voiced at the hearings, the commissioners of Garret Country voted unanimously against the wind farm proposal.

 

Above is a small selection of five new stories being reported on today.  This illustrates to some extent, however, the magnitude of wind power in the news, as well as a selection of stories accounting the advocating and opposition of this green energy source.