Archive for Renewable Energy
Wind Technology Training Coming To Moriarty
by John Weckerle
Residents of the Estancia Valley and the surrounding area will soon have the opportunity to receive specialized training in the area of wind energy technology, according to a recent press release issued by Mesalands Community College in Tucumcari.
The program comes as a cooperative effort between Mesalands, the Estancia Valley Economic Development Association, the City of Moriarty, and the New Mexico Workforce Connection of Central New Mexico. According to Nroth American Wind Research and Training Center Director Jim Morgan “This pilot project provides the essential technical courses needed to assist students in obtaining a wind industry job and in turn supply area wind farms with wind energy technicians that will already have basic knowledge of the industry.” Courses will cover safety issues, and will include subjects such as basic electricity, mechanics, hydraulics, and turbine safety. Classes for the 8-week training program will be held in Moriarty, and some training will take place at the NAWRTC, including climbing the college’s 1.5 megawatt wind turbine. Students who successfully complete the program will receive an Occupational Certificate in Basic Wind Energy Technology.
Those interested in applying should contact the New Mexico Workforce Connection of Central New Mexico at 832-6774.
According to the Mesalands wind energy technology program web site, the college also offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Wind Energy Technology, as well as customized training programs. Completion of the NAWRTC facility is scheduled for September 2010, and Mesalands has already installed a 1.5 MW General Electric wind turbine.
USDA Announces Energy Grants For Agriculture, Rural Small Businesses
by John Weckerle
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a grant announcement for that may be of interest to some of our readers: Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements, targeted at agricultural producers (including farmers and ranchers who gain 50 percent or more of their gross income from agricultural operations) and rural small businesses. Rural electric cooperatives may also be eligible to apply. Grants are awarded competitively and may provide up to 25% of total project costs, with a $500,000 limit on renewable energy systems and $250,000 for energy improvments (the “floor” is $2,500 for renewable energy systems and $1,500 for energy efficiency improvements). The total estimated program funding is $51.5 million, and at least 20% of the grants will be for less than $20,000. The closing date for applications is June 30, 2010. For more information, see the Grants.gov announcement.
Public Service Announcment: Wildlife West Invitation to Green Energy Vendors
Editor’s note: The press release below is an invitation to vendors to participate in the annual Wind Festival and Green Energy Fair at Wildlife West Nature Park next month. The invitation would appear to include exhibitors as well as vendors.
Invitation to participate in our free wind festival and green energy fair at Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood, NM. Any vendor that has anything to do with green energy or the wind should consider coming to our 9th annual festival on May 1,2 from 10-6 daily. Our e-mail is info@wildlifewest.org if you would like to join us. There is no fee for any vendor qualified by doing any education or having products or services relating to our theme of green energy and or wind gadgets or kites. Please join us for the fun and opportunity to meet and greet our visitors.
Thank you, Roger Alink 263-9453
Edgewood’s Recipe for Songbird Soup
by John Weckerle
As reported here, in the Mountain View Telegraph, at Gadabout-Blogalot.com, and other local sources, the Town of Edgewood recently received a stimulus package grant for two 50 kilowatt wind turbines. As mentioned in all sources, the Town intends to place these turbines at the site of the wastewater treatment plant, which will also be the site of a new, roughly 3.5 acre pond, intended for recreational uses including fishing. At first, this may seem a great fit; however, as with so many issues, there is more to the situation than meets the eye.
What is perhaps not entirely obvious – and quite clearly not obvious at all to the Town’s energy committee, Planning and Zoning Commission, Council, and staff, despite having been made aware of the issue – is the connection between bodies of water, insects, bats and birds in this part of the world. Anyone who has even a small outdoor fountain in this area knows that not only do local birds of all types visit water sources on a daily basis, but migratory birds crowd in during migration seasons in Spring and Fall. On any given morning at this time of year, it is far from unusual for us to see 20 or more robins at at time, joined by northern flickers, woodpeckers, and other visitors lined up around and on top of the fountain, drinking and bathing. On any given day, we have hundreds of visitors during migration season – and the fountain’s wet area is probably about 18 inches across. The bubbler out front sees similar action at times. »» Edgewood’s Recipe for Songbird Soup
Some Real Hot Air…
Editor’s Note: We continue here a discussion of the revisions to the Town of Edgewood’s zoning ordinance to allow for the construction of wind turbines in the Town of Edgewood. The current conversation began in response to this article by Bob Steiner on Town energy committee member Chuck Ring’s blog. Mr. Ring made his case, and instructed us that he would rather not have the discussion continue on his blog. We have chosen to continue the dialogue here. We wish to note that the reference to Mr. Steiner’s article of September 23 was in error; it was Mr. Steiner’s response to Mr. Ring’s September 21 article which we found inappropriate.
We find it disappointing that Mr. Ring has chosen to put his position forth and ask that the debate cease. We’ll honor his request not to continue the discourse on his blog, but will continue it here. We will discuss the final revisions in another article.
by John Weckerle
On October 7, 2009, the Town of Edgewood passed revisions to its zoning ordinance classifying small wind energy systems as a conditional use. This has been a topic of discussion here and in other places for some time, and there has certainly been some heated discussion and hyperbole, perhaps even here at New Mexico Central. Today, we’ll examine a bit of hyperbole. First, though, we want to do a little housecleaning, and make it clear that NM-Central has consistently expressed support for properly-sited wind energy projects. However, we strongly assert (along with authorities such as the National Academy of Sciences; scroll down to “Table of Contents” to read the report for free) that such projects should be sited to minimize potential damage to wildlife and mitigate other potential negative effects.
Having been rather busy over the last couple of weeks, we did not have time to be reading Mr. Ring’s blog on a regular basis until taking the time this past Thursday evening. Today, we will examine some of the claims and statements made there, and perhaps clear up a few misperceptions that may have arisen. »» Some Real Hot Air…
A Little More Hot Air
by John Weckerle
Your editor has submitted written comments to the Mayor and Town Council of Edgewood on the proposed revisions to the zoning ordinance to allow development of wind energy systems. Rather than continue whipping this horse any further, at least for now, we will simply defer to the comments and hope that the Town Council will have the wisdom to carefully examine the issues at hand.
A Windstorm’s A Brewin’
by John Weckerle
We here at New Mexico Central continue to be concerned about the process by which the Town of Edgewood is examining its stance with respect to wind energy. The Town’s various committees, subcommittees, and appointed officials who have dealt with this issue to date (this does not, in this case apparently include the Mayor) appear unconcerned with concerns raised by NM-Central.com and others regarding environmental and other effects associated with various wind-related energy strategies. Having reviewed the proposed changes to the zoning ordinance, we sadly find the Town’s approach to be unenlightened, inadequately inquisitive, and environmentally irresponsible – not to mention unresponsive to public concerns that have been expressed to date. The proposed legislation reads as if it were written by wind energy interests, and we begin to wonder what relationships some of the energy committee members may have with the wind power industry or whether there are other potential conflicts of interest involved. While we applaud the Town’s interest in renewable energy and support responsibly sited wind projects, we do not endorse the Town’s approach and have submitted a New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act request for all documents associated with this legislation in the hope of ascertaining just how this regrettable situation has come to pass. A public hearing is scheduled for next Wednesday, October 7, and we hope that those who are concerned about wildlife impacts, effects on property values, and other potential problems that may result from this ordinance revision will attend and let their voices be heard. We also hope that the Town Council, when formally presented with this ordinance, will take the time to truly consider all the relevant factors – something that the committees involved have not done, in our opinion. In the meantime, we leave our readers with this article on building-integrated wind turbines, which contains some fascinating information on small wind turbine performance in general. Caveat emptor, Edgewood!
Edgewood Mayor Expresses Wind Turbine Concerns
Editor’s note: NM-Central.com has published several articles raising questions regarding Edgewood’s approach to alternative energy: Edgewood Considering Windmills Without Requiring Permits, Everyone Knows It’s Windy, and Edgewood Energy Planning Needs More Diverse Approach. While we remain supportive of properly planned and sited wind projects, we wish to reiterate our concern that not all projects are appropriate for all places, and there are certainly places within Edgewood’s existing boundaries that would not likely be appropriate as sites for wind turbines. We again call on Edgewood not to rush to judgment on this issue, and not to simply brush off concerns simply because it may take time and effort to resolve them. Once the money is spent and a wind turbine is up and running, it’s a bit late to come to the realization that one should have looked at the project more closely. We also caution Edgewood that the Town could well face legal action from cell tower proponents who may feel that they are receiving unequal treatment under the law if they allow wind turbines to be built without restrictions. Of course, the cell tower proponents could go with a “stealth” design that makes the tower look like a wind turbine…
by Bob Stearley, Mayor, Town of Edgewood
It is important for the World to develop energy alternatives to oil and gas. Wind energy generated by small turbines in Edgewood, however, does not appear to be an economical choice at this time. The cost of even a small system (~2.5 kW) is around $20,000. A good-case scenario might be for it to be built on a 63 foot tall tower, and to be located in an area where there are no buildings, trees, or hills, and a (computer predicted) wind class of 3, where it would be predicted to generate an average of 440 kWh per month and a savings of $58 per month. If there are buildings, hills and trees in the area, and the predicted wind class is 2, the energy generation would be 270 kWh and a savings of $36 per month. If the tower is 35 feet tall the (predicted) savings would be only $30 per month. Even if the Federal Government provides $5,400 (of our tax money) to subsidize the cost, the net cost of $14,600 is still out of line with a potential return of from $30 to $58 per month. »» Edgewood Mayor Expresses Wind Turbine Concerns
Let’s Keep An Eye On The Science, Shall We?
Note: John Weckerle is a licensed professional geologist and has been at work in environmental consulting for 22 years.
by John Weckerle
In the August 27 of the Mountain View Telegraph, local climate contrarian Ken Johnson – now billing himself as a retired professor, although of what and from whence remains a mystery - renews his attempt to convince us all that climate change is a farce. In this particular case, Mr. Johnson uses a simplistic discussion of the reaction products of hydrocarbon combustion and a flawed description of carbon sequestration as a result of geologic processes.
Your editor – and others – have sparred with Mr. Johnson before. In a 2008 response to one of Mr. Johnson’s letters, I pointed out that Mr. Johnson was using, as the basis of his argument, the thoroughly discredited “Oregon Petition Project (While Mr. Johnson appears to know better than to use this reference to support his case in letters to the Telegraph, he still uses it elsewhere, most recently in a June 11 letter to the Santa Fe New Mexican). »» Let’s Keep An Eye On The Science, Shall We?
Edgewood Energy Planning Needs More Diverse Approach
by John Weckerle
This week’s local newspapers are abuzz with discussion of controversies surrounding proposals to encourage alternative energy capabilities in Edgewood, New Mexico. As in the past, the discussion seems focused primarily on wind energy, with proponents seeking to find a way to allow residents to place wind turbines on their properties. Solar technologies appear to remain an afterthought, as do energy-efficiency upgrades. With the exception of some comments from Town Councilor Brad Hill quoted in The Independent, there appears to be little thought given to a balanced approach to energy and developing a comprehensive energy management strategy that could produce the desired benefits with a minimum of dispute. The public discussion has focused almost entirely on wind issues, and review of the minutes of the Town Council, Planning and Zoning Committee, and Energy Committee meetings available online provides no indication that other alternative energy sources have ever been seriously discussed – this in spite of the fact that Town Council and P&Z Committee members have expressed concerns about the apparently nearly-exclusive focus on wind. We have been critical of this approach in the past (see our February 6, 2009 article), and remain so. »» Edgewood Energy Planning Needs More Diverse Approach
Everyone Knows It’s Windy
by John Weckerle
(Editor’s Note: Your editor has made much of his living over the last couple of decades in the area of assessing environmental impacts of various projects and programs. He has worked both sides of the fence in this area, and has worked and continues to work with Federal agencies preparing National Environmental Policy Act documents and providing support for compliance with this law. He supports the appropriate use of renewable energy, has done work with clients in both the renewable energy and green building industries, and is a member of the New Mexico Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council.)
The winds of change are blowing strong – and the breeze of discourse has reached gale force, at least in the editorial pages of recent editions of The Independent. From opponents of unrestricted windmill construction expressing outrage to windmill advocates indulging in a little name-calling as they attempt to make their point, it seems likely that the Spring winds normally scheduled for March are starting early and roaring across the plain, or at least the publications serving it, giving us the opportunity to take a metaphor and whip it to death like a flag in a tornado.
First, let us be clear: this subject is very complex and very important, and it is important that we conduct the discourse seriously, with a willingness to consider all factors, and with respect for those with whom we may disagree on the subject. The discussion has already taken at least one unfortunate turn where that is concerned – we refer to the letter by Douglas Mercer in the January 4 issue of The Independent, in which Mr. Mercer characterizes the objections of Tim Oden (letter opposing windmills in the January 28 edition) as “outdated and antiquated” and “the very sort of shallow consideration “attitude” that has gotten our country into the trouble it’s in today.” Mr. Mercer then goes on to blithely dismiss the potential effects of windmills on visual resources and property values – issues of great importance to local residents and property owners – as irrelevant. Shallow is as shallow does, we suppose, but we encourage a more comprehensive consideration of the subject by all parties.
The fact that Mr. Mercer believes residential wind power generation is more important than socioeconomic factors and that Mr. Oden places more value on the latter points out a crucial need to address a broad spectrum of issues. As before, we recommend development of a comprehensive study of the relevant issues, including socioeconomics, and analysis of reasonable alternatives by QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS as a precursor to any development of a plan, strategy, or ordinance to bring Edgewood into the renewable energy age. We concede the point that windmills have many beneficial attributes, providing a renewable and relatively “clean” source of energy that can be adapted to both centralized and distributed energy production. However, there are other issues to consider. Let’s take a brief look at a few of the relevant factors. »» Everyone Knows It’s Windy
To Spin In the Wind … Or Not
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
Fresh off of $4.00 a gallon gas, some folks in New Mexico still question the wisdom of wind generated power. The questioning comes from many points of observation, but the three main objections seem to be:
- the giant turbines will spoil my or our view
- the low-level noise will disturb or harm those (human and animal) in close proximity
- the energy produced will be utilized outside the State of New Mexico
The newest proposed wind farm in the state is being considered for San Miguel County. If final approval is given, the wind farm will be located on 7063 acres of state land on the surface of a prominent mesa.
Hopefully, as New Mexico continues to sort itself out as one of the largest wind energy states (in overall wind energy produced) the ordinary citizens and energy producers can come to common ground that will satisfy all concerned and serve to move our nation toward energy independence (EI). Or, will EI just continue to be something we talk about, but never really move to accomplish.
Click on this colored text Spin The Turbine to read an article from The Santa Fe New Mexican, along with the mixed pro and con comments regarding this wind farm and wind driven energy in general.