Wind Power Overtakes Nuclear Energy in UK for First Time Over Last Three Months

Record comes as MPs warn of 'dramatic and worrying collapse' in clean energy investment

Windfarms provided more electricity than Britain’s nuclear power stations in the first three months of 2018, the first time it has ever done so across a quarter. 

Between January and March, wind power produced 18.8% of the UK’s energy needs, compared to nuclear’s 18.76%. Gas was still the dominant source of the country’s electricity, at 39.4%. 

Lawmaker: Current Wind Farm Regulations ‘Stifle’ Investment in Ohio

Setbacks have been an issue of contention with proposed Champaign County wind farm.

A Northeast Ohio Republican is pushing for a return to shorter setbacks for wind farms in Ohio, arguing the rules created in 2014 have strangled investment in the industry.

The issue of how far turbines should be built from nearby businesses and residential properties has long been a contentious issue in Champaign County, where developers have sought to build a wind farm in two phases.

EU Backs 600-MW Kriegers Flak Wind Farm in Danish Waters

The European Commission on March 28 determined that its support of the 600-MW Kriegers Flak offshore wind farm in Danish territorial waters is in line with EU state aid rules. The commission said the project will help Denmark reduce CO2 emissions, in line with EU energy and climate goals, without unduly distorting competition.

"The Kriegers Flak offshore wind farm will help to cut carbon dioxide emissions while the support is carefully designed to avoid distorting competition in electricity markets. I'm glad to be able to approve state support for this project," Margrethe Vestager, commissioner in charge of competition policy, said in a statement.

Ohio: Jordan wants to scrap energy benchmarks

State Sen. Kris Jordan, R- Powell, testified last week on a proposal to eliminate benchmarks designed to encourage the use of alternative energy in Ohio.

His proposed legislation would repeal Ohio's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard, which requires 25 percent of the state's energy to come from advanced and renewable resources by 2025.

UK: New planning policy afoot at district council

A NEW planning policy to determine how East Lindsey District Council’s planning officers approach wind turbine developments is being developed.

The council is updating the local plan and a renewable energy policy will form part of a final document that will be subject to public consultation and scrutiny by the Government’s planning inspectorate.