WindAction Latest Posts

Trump Administration asks court to let it re-evaluate Revolution Wind's COP

2026-10-13T04:00:00.000Z

The Trump administration is challenging the approval of Ørsted's Revolution Wind project, asking a court to remand the COP for further review, citing non-compliance with the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. This is the third attempt to halt the 704 MW wind farm, which is nearing completion and has started delivering power to Connecticut and Rhode Island. The administration's actions, including previous stop-work orders citing national security concerns, have been consistently overturned by the courts.

Lawmakers warn Aroostook residents a proposed wind farm will do more harm than good

2026-10-14T04:00:00.000Z

Maine lawmakers and Aroostook County residents expressed concerns about the proposed County Line wind farm, highlighting potential negative impacts on the local environment and community. They criticized the project for its unrealistic job promises and financial benefits, fearing it would harm their quality of life without reducing power bills. The project involves installing up to 200 turbines and is linked to a broader Northern Maine Renewable Energy Development Program. Concerns also extended to a related transmission line project by Central Maine Power/Avangrid, prompting local

Peoria County zoning board recommends wind farm denial, forwards application with possible conditions

2026-10-14T04:00:00.000Z

The Peoria County Zoning Board of Appeals recommended denying a special use application for the Four Creeks Wind Project, which proposes 113 turbines across several areas. Despite meeting county sound requirements, the board found the project did not satisfy other key criteria. However, they forwarded the application with conditions for the County Board's consideration on November 5.

Developer pauses permit for controversial 41,200-acre Laramie Range wind project

2026-10-13T04:00:00.000Z

ConnectGen has temporarily withdrawn its permit application for the 41,200-acre Laramie Range Wind Project in Laramie County, near Cheyenne, to meet conditions set by the Wyoming Industrial Siting Council. The project, which aims to power about 200,000 homes, faced a previous rejection and has been revised. The withdrawal allows more time to address these conditions before facing a county vote.

Why are new wind farms stuck in the doldrums in Australia?

2026-10-06T04:00:00.000Z

Australia's progress towards its 2030 renewable energy target is hindered by challenges in expanding wind farm projects, despite successes in other renewable sectors like solar and batteries. Wind farms face obstacles such as supply chain shortages, increased construction costs, financing difficulties, and shifting political commitments, which have slowed their development significantly. This slowdown is critical as wind power is essential to replace retiring coal plants and meet future energy demands.

Giant wind turbines risk leaving Britain blind to Russian jets

2026-10-08T04:00:00.000Z

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) opposes the construction of a large wind farm in Yorkshire, arguing that its 23 turbines could interfere with radar systems used to detect Russian jets, thereby compromising national air defense. The Hope Moor Wind Farm, part of a fast-track green energy initiative, could generate electricity for around 135,000 homes but faces resistance due to potential threats to national security and local ecological damage. The final decision on the project rests with Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh.

Drying wake effect triggers offshore wind farm drought fear

2026-10-13T14:37:04.628Z

Concerns are growing about the potential for large offshore wind farms, like Australia's $8bn Star of the South, to reduce onshore rainfall due to their wake effects. A German study suggests that these installations could alter regional climate patterns, potentially decreasing rainfall by 10%-12% in affected areas. This has sparked debate in Australia, with calls for more research into the environmental impacts before proceeding with such projects.

Germans issue offshore alert as WindSeeG debate starts

2026-10-08T04:00:00.000Z

Germany's offshore wind industry, represented by BWO and other associations, is pushing for legislative changes in the Offshore Wind Energy Act (WindSeeG) to ensure better investment conditions and project delivery. They advocate for a single-stage CfD auction model to stabilize the supply chain and maintain industrial capacity, amid concerns over uncompleted auctions and potential job losses. The industry seeks to secure a reliable project pipeline to support around 49,000 jobs and possibly more, with parliamentary discussions ongoing to refine the auction

Offshore wind farm suffers its second turbine blade failure in two months

2026-10-06T04:00:00.000Z

Ørsted, a Danish wind energy company, has reported a second turbine blade failure at its Greater Changhua 4 offshore wind farm in Taiwan within two months. No injuries or nearby vessels were reported at the time of the incident. Ørsted and Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy are investigating the cause, emphasizing that such failures are rare in their offshore fleet.

Second Siemens Gamesa turbine issue at same Orsted offshore wind farm in two months

2026-10-05T04:00:00.000Z

A Siemens Gamesa turbine at Orsted's Greater Changhua 4 wind farm in Taiwan suffered blade damage on October 2, marking the second turbine issue at the site in recent months. Siemens Gamesa is leading the investigation into the incident, which occurred with no personnel or vessels nearby. The 583MW project, still under construction, is set for full commissioning by year-end.

East Hampton town to sue Cove Hollow, Montauk BESS plants

2026-10-02T04:00:00.000Z

East Hampton Town plans to sue the operators of two battery energy storage systems (BESS) in East Hampton and Montauk to force the removal of a toxic fire suppressant, NOVEC 1230, linked to groundwater contamination. The town's resolution follows a State Department of Environmental Conservation report tying the suppressant to the pollution. Despite the town's demands for remediation and a shutdown until safer measures are implemented, the facilities remain operational.

Commissioners approve $1.67B energy development in north Weld County

2026-09-24T04:00:00.000Z

The Weld County commissioners approved a $1.67 billion wind and solar energy project in the Chalk Bluffs region by a narrow 3-2 vote. The project, developed by Chalk Bluffs LLC and Enyo Energy, will feature 79 wind turbines and extensive solar panels, aiming to generate 805 megawatts of electricity, sufficient to power 600,000 homes. Despite public concerns about environmental and scenic impacts, the project is expected to have a significant economic benefit, including $

Permitting deal won’t get vote ahead of election

2026-09-24T04:00:00.000Z

A bipartisan group of senators was unable to finalize a deal on legislation aimed at simplifying the permitting process for energy projects, pushing the vote to after the midterm elections. Despite efforts from both parties and interest from the Trump administration to secure a vote soon to address energy affordability, disagreements persisted, particularly around the specifics of easing approvals and the political implications for both parties. The delay means the issue will be revisited in a potentially altered legislative landscape post-election.

7 years after it sank, The Mistress is found near the wind farm off Block Island

2026-09-22T04:00:00.000Z

Seven years after the commercial fishing boat Mistress sank near Block Island during a storm, resulting in the deaths of Captain Oscar Diaz and his nephew John Ansay Jr., the wreckage and potential human remains were discovered by a mysterious research team using sidescan sonar. The findings, detailed in an anonymous report sent to authorities and family representatives, raise questions about navigational safety and the delay in locating the wreck, prompting calls for further investigation and recovery efforts.

North Fork Wind v Knox County Nebraska: Review of court decision

2026-09-16T15:36:08.270Z

The US District Court for the District of Nebraska has rejected several major claims brought by North Fork Wind against Knox County after the county adopted increasingly restrictive wind-energy zoning rules and ultimately banned new commercial wind development. Judge John M. Gerrard's August 12, 2026 order provides several important findings regarding the authority of local governments to regulate wind development. Windaction lists below each of the developers’ claims, the Court’s responses, and a brief summary of what the order means. The full order can be accessed from the document link on this page. Note: North Fork Wind is owned by National Grid Renewables Development LLC, a renewable energy company that was rebranded to Geronimo Power in 2025 following its acquisition by Brookfield Asset Management.

First day of public hearings for Four Creeks wind farm project underway

2026-09-14T04:00:00.000Z

Public hearings for the Four Creeks Wind Farm project by Repsol Renewables began in Peoria County, aiming to install over 100 turbines to power at least 160,000 homes. The project faces opposition, with concerns about inadequate notice, potential environmental impacts, and minimal economic benefits post-construction. Supporters argue it offers substantial tax benefits and allows landowners to utilize their property effectively.

Plans being lodged to dismantle Ireland's only constructed offshore wind-farm

2026-09-09T04:00:00.000Z

Arklow Energy Ltd plans to dismantle Ireland's only offshore wind farm, Arklow Bank Wind Farm, due to safety concerns that led to its shutdown in 2024. The company seeks permission to remove turbines, cables, and other components by 2033. The decommissioning follows significant financial losses and operational challenges, including a fire and major faults in the turbines.

Taylor County Supervisors approve application for wind energy project

2026-09-01T04:00:00.000Z

The Taylor County Supervisors held a public hearing to discuss Black Maple Wind, LLC's application for a wind energy conversion permit. Apex Clean Energy, representing Black Maple Wind, outlined the project's scope, including securing 36,500 acres and planning for turbines, access roads, and other necessary infrastructure. The project promises significant tax revenue and job creation during construction, with ongoing benefits to local landowners and the community. Concerns and support from the public were voiced regarding environmental impacts, subsidies, and the