Library from New Hampshire
Researchers who worked near the 400-foot high wind turbines on peaks above the proposed Balsams ski area say there is reason to be worried about people getting too close: They saw chunks of ice being thrown and found ice craters and broken saplings 930 feet from a turbine.
State committee could decide on fate of Antrim Wind next month
For the first time under its new rules, a state committee could decide as early as next month whether to approve a controversial wind farm planned in Antrim.
In trying to bribe voters, a mighty wind firm blew it
It certainly wasn’t the biggest story to come out of last Tuesday’s election, but it was an important one nonetheless.
Groton Wind says 2015 output blew in below expectations
As the state’s Site Evaluation Committee decides whether to permit a proposed new wind farm in Antrim, New Hampshire Wind Watch is citing Groton Wind’s estimate four years ago that its facility would have a capacity factor of 33 to 36 percent. The capacity factor measurement is the average power generated divided by the rated peak power.
MA, CT, and RI to negotiate wind, solar deals; Unusual three-state bid process yields 7 projects
The projects have a nameplate capacity of 461.2 megawatts, but they will produce less power than that because the facilities typically operate at less than 35 percent of capacity. Approximately 306.4 megawatts come from solar projects and 154.8 megawatts from wind.
Maine wind power and transmission projects lose out
Ambitious plans to build wind farms in northern and western Maine representing billions of dollars of investment were dealt a blow on Tuesday, after a coalition of utilities and state agencies in southern New England failed to select any Maine-based wind or transmission projects to meet the region’s clean-energy goals.
County planners expected to tackle wind issues
County planners will discuss Wednesday evening whether to take action on a proposed wind overlay district that has been a source of contention for residents and officials for nearly eight months.
Property owners look for land buyout
Ten property owners have asked the Select Board to negotiate a land buyout agreement with a wind farm developer should the project be approved.
Stoddard officials take stand against Antrim Wind project
Selectmen have unanimously backed the town conservation commission’s opposition to a proposed wind farm in neighboring Antrim. They said the project would harm the town without providing any benefit to residents.
Balsams site plan review application still not complete
Dixville Capital’s attorney is working out an safety plan to address the board’s concern about ice throw and other potential hazards around the Granite Reliable wind towers (owned by Brookfield Power) in the expanded high-elevation ski area, based on an engineer’s report, board attorney Bernie Waugh reported.
Millsfield voters decide to incorporate as a town
MILLSFIELD — Citing the “rocky relationship” with Coos County as well as the possible effects of a redeveloped Balsams Resort in nearby Dixville on their community, voters here recently decided to incorporate as a town.
Alexandria won't approve permit for wind-power developer
Town officials say the battle likely isn’t over, but the selectmen Tuesday night formally refused to approve a permit request from a Portuguese wind-power developer for a 262-foot meteorological tower to test the winds in town for wind-farm suitability.
Balsams Expansion: How close may skiers get to wind turbines
But SEC lawyer Michael Iacopino told NHPR if Brookfield Renewable wants to allow skiers within 1,300 feet “it needs to ask the SEC to change that condition.”
Energy solution or a step backward?
The 20-year power purchase agreement with Antrim Wind, LLC was carried out by disenfranchising NHEC members. It also introduced an expensive source of inefficient and inconsistent energy that ratepayers will pay for in higher electric rates for many years to come. Last but not least, this agreement is environmentally destructive to sensitive ridgeline ecosystems, watersheds, and the health and well-being of the people and wildlife that live in the vicinity of the proposed Antrim Wind project.
New Hampshire adopts statewide wind siting rules
In December, 2015, the New Hampshire Site Evaluation Committee (‘SEC’) adopted new rules governing the siting of energy projects in the state, including wind energy facilities. The new rules represent the culmination of 2+ years of intense focus by stakeholders with widely varying interests. In that time, the SEC conducted months of hearings and deliberative sessions, all open to public, where thousands of pages of detailed comments were debated and ultimately distilled down to standards intended to better quantify the data presented by applicants, reduce subjectivity and lead to more informed, and more consistent decisions on energy facility siting.
Wind farm opponents applaud votes in Orange, Canaan
Opponents of a proposed $140 million wind-energy plant say they are pleased that Canaan and Orange residents voted earlier this month to restrict or oppose new wind power plants in their towns.
Market Policies, Emissions Goals on Collision Course in New England
Backers of gas generation countered that renewables are benefiting from government-backed subsidies and long-term contracts that threaten to reintroduce government-mandated integrated resource planning. ...state policies are giving renewables undue advantage and undermining conventional generators’ investments in the market.
Massachusetts plan could spur hydro imports to New England
"Subsidizing an overdependence on one foreign government-owned source of electricity will lead to lost jobs and soaring energy bills for decades to come," said Dan Dolan, the group's president....Hydro-Quebec would use increased U.S. exports to subsidize lower prices for its provincial customers, in turn costing New England ratepayers an estimated $20 billion over 25 years.
Clean energy effort moves forward with New England proposals
Dozens of submissions will need to be vetted in coming months as the three states look to sign long-term contracts for electricity from wind turbines, dams and solar projects. The states are seeking up to 600 megawatts of power.
The way the wind blows in New Hampshire
To put this 30 percent in perspective, a single nuclear, hydro or coal plant, or Northern Pass, generates less than 30 percent of our average power. This highlights how these large wind surges would raise havoc with the ISO-NE grid. A scan of the New England wind data shows that large wind-generated electric surges would hit the ISO-NE grid once or twice each week, and last many hours.