wind
Newsletter
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Offshore wind development faces mixed progress in the Northeast
A broken turbine blade in Massachusetts, a new wind project in New York, and New Jersey research illustrate the mixed progress in the Northeast’s offshore wind industry.
In short:
- A wind farm in Nantucket, Massachusetts was temporarily shut down due to a turbine blade collapse, prompting an extensive cleanup effort.
- New York launched its largest offshore wind project, Sunrise Wind, which will power around 600,000 homes.
- New Jersey allocated nearly $5 million for research to mitigate environmental impacts from planned offshore wind farms.
Key quote:
“We’re making progress in the debris recovery efforts and mobilizing even more resources on the island to hasten the cleanup as quickly as possible.”
— Klaus Moeller, CEO of Vineyard Wind
Why this matters:
Offshore wind farms are celebrated for their potential to provide vast amounts of clean energy, significantly reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. However, the collapse of a turbine blade raises questions about the structural integrity of these massive installations. Ensuring the durability and safety of wind turbines is paramount, not just for worker safety, but also to prevent environmental harm.
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Credit: Peter Beukema/Unsplash
China leads global wind and solar project construction
China is constructing nearly double the wind and solar power of the rest of the world combined, according to a new report.
In short:
- China has 339GW of wind and solar power under construction, compared to 40GW in the US.
- By 2024, China will reach 1,200GW of installed wind and solar capacity, six years ahead of schedule.
- Despite renewable growth, China’s coal consumption and new coal plant approvals continue to rise.
Key quote:
“It is obviously important for China to keep on adding more renewable energy to meet its targets. But it’s not as simple as you just keep building and it will be solved … [because] there is no sign that the country is trying to steer away from its coal consumption.”
— Li Shuo, director of the China Climate Hub at the Asia Policy Institute
Why this matters:
China's rapid renewable energy expansion sets a global precedent, but rising coal use and geopolitical tensions challenge its environmental goals.
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Credit: Thomas Reaubourg/Unsplash
Wind energy company plans new 68-turbine project in South Dakota
An energy company is seeking approval to build a $621 million wind farm with 68 turbines in northeastern South Dakota.
In short:
- Chicago-based Invenergy, through its subsidiary, Deuel Harvest Wind Energy South, aims to install 68 turbines over 54 square miles near Brandt in Deuel County.
- The project is expected to generate $78 million in payments to landowners and $38 million in property tax revenue over 30 years, with 243 jobs during construction and eight long-term jobs.
- Public interest parties have until August 27 to apply for “intervenor” status to participate in the permitting process.
Key quote:
“South Deuel Wind has entered into long-term, voluntary lease and easement agreements for the placement of Project Facilities with private landowners within the Project Area.”
— Invenergy application
Why this matters:
By harnessing wind power, the project is expected to offset a considerable amount of greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with national and global efforts to combat climate change. However, the proposal is likely to face scrutiny from local communities and environmental advocates concerned about potential impacts on wildlife and landscapes. Wind turbines, while a clean energy source, can pose threats to bird and bat populations and may alter natural habitats.
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Credit: Abby Anaday/Unsplash
Labour's plan to lead a green energy shift in Britain
Keir Starmer's new Labour government pledges to fast-track the green energy transition, aiming for zero-carbon electricity by 2030 despite significant challenges.
In short:
- Labour's win marks the end of 14 years of Conservative rule, with a strong focus on climate promises including zero-carbon electricity by 2030.
- Reducing reliance on gas and halting new North Sea oil licenses are major goals, but achieving these will be politically and logistically challenging.
- Broad political consensus on climate action in Britain is fracturing, with rising far-right opposition to net-zero targets.
Why this matters:
The Labour Party's vision for a greener future includes a comprehensive strategy to overhaul the UK's energy infrastructure. This means ramping up investments in renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and tidal power, while simultaneously phasing out fossil fuels. The aim is not only to reduce the nation's carbon footprint but also to set a global example in combating climate change.
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Renewable energy faces significant hurdles in Ohio
Renewable energy projects in Ohio face fierce opposition from fossil fuel-backed groups, despite incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act designed to boost solar and wind development across the nation.
In short:
- The Inflation Reduction Act provides substantial tax credits and incentives that have made renewables as affordable as fossil-fuel energy sources. However, developers in Republican-run Ohio remain skeptical about overcoming local regulatory and political obstacles.
- Ohio's 2021 Senate Bill 52 allows local governments to veto solar and wind projects, but not fossil fuel facilities, creating an uneven playing field, green-energy advocates say. The bill is just one example of the organized efforts that have passed 400 local restrictions against wind, solar and other projects in 41 states, according to a 2024 report by Columbia Law School.
- Fossil fuel-backed groups in Ohio are spreading misinformation and lobbying against renewable energy projects, significantly slowing down development.
Key quote:
“Ohio is probably one of the most biased states in terms of its treatment of renewables as this catastrophic thing that needs to be limited and banned.”
— Dave Anderson, policy and communications manager for the Energy and Policy Institute.
Why this matters:
Renewable energy is vital for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. However, opposition and regulatory hurdles in key states like Ohio threaten the pace and effectiveness of this transition, emphasizing the ongoing battle between clean energy and fossil fuel interests.
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Newsletter
Challenges facing US offshore wind expansion
Efforts to advance offshore wind energy in the U.S. are facing hurdles from economic, political, and misinformation challenges.
In short:
- The U.S. offshore wind industry struggles with inflation, supply chain issues, and political opposition, despite the Biden Administration's support.
- Offshore wind could potentially meet 25% of the nation's energy needs by 2050, yet only four wind farms have been completed since the first proposal in the early 2000s.
- Disinformation, such as claims that offshore wind harms marine life, is further stalling progress.
Key quote:
“There is zero evidence for offshore wind activities causing whale deaths.”
— Helen Rose Patterson, senior campaign manager with the National Wildlife Federation
Why this matters:
Support for offshore wind varies widely across the country, influenced by regional interests and lobbying from traditional energy sectors. Some states, particularly along the East Coast, are pushing forward with ambitious plans and incentives. However, others remain hesitant, often citing concerns about the impact on local fishing industries and coastal tourism. The political tug-of-war can stall progress and create an uncertain regulatory environment.
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Credit: This_is_Engineering/Pixabay
Renewable energy boost brings significant benefits to US
Increased use of renewable energy in the U.S. from 2019 to 2022 reduced emissions and improved air quality, yielding $249 billion in climate and health benefits.
In short:
- Wind and solar energy generation in the US increased by 55% from 2019 to 2022, providing 14% of the nation's electricity by 2022.
- This shift cut carbon dioxide emissions by 900 million metric tons, equal to removing 71 million cars from the roads annually.
- Emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, harmful pollutants from fossil fuels, decreased by 1 million metric tons, resulting in $249 billion in climate and health benefits.
Key quote:
“These findings can help us target future wind and solar development to provide the greatest climate and health benefits.”
— Jeremiah Johnson, climate and energy professor at North Carolina State University
Why this matters:
The shift away from fossil fuels can play a critical role in decreasing the pollutants that contribute to smog, respiratory illnesses, and other health issues. For parents, this means fewer asthma attacks and respiratory problems for their children. For healthcare professionals, it translates into a reduction in air pollution-related conditions that burden the healthcare system. For scientists and regulators, these improvements provide valuable data supporting the efficacy of renewable energy policies and initiatives.
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