Wind dying down?

Local wind farm developers probably not on FAA's radar

Sunday, June 4, 2006

By MIKE LANDIS

The Register-Mail

GALESBURG - Could national security concerns slow the progress of two local wind farm projects? Not likely, but anything is possible when the federal government gets involved, according to the developers spearheading wind farms near Bishop Hill and Alexis.

As directed by the Department of Defense, the Federal Aviation Administration has halted construction of any new wind farms until the completion of a study to determine if wind turbines have an effect on long-range military radar systems, which could compromise national security. Enacted Jan. 6, the National Defense Authorization Act instructed the Department of Defense to assess the effects of wind energy installations on nearby radar installations and submit a report within 120 days. That report, which was due in early May, has yet to be filed.

While the study continues, both Invenergy and Greenlight Energy are proceeding as planned with their local wind farm developments near Bishop Hill and Alexis, respectively.

"I don't think it has any impact on the Bishop Hill project," said Michael Arndt, development manager for Chicago-based Invenergy.

Since Invenergy's Bishop Hill Wind Energy Farm is not slated for construction until spring 2007, the urgency of the stop-work order doesn't impede the progress of the project. Arndt is confident the issue will be resolved by the time construction begins.

"We've had a few calls from landowners on the Bishop Hill project," said Arndt.

However, for projects slated for construction this summer, Arndt said the work stoppage could prove damaging. He said summer is the optimum time to build, primarily because low wind speeds allow the cranes to work safely on the massive turbines.

Matt Sakurada, regional development director for Greenlight Energy, expects the issue to be resolved in June or July. Until a resolution is reached, Sakurada is holding off on filing paperwork for the Alexis Wind Farm Project with the FAA. That doesn't mean the project is in jeopardy.

"We are still charging along as if everything will be fine," said Sakurada, adding the company is in the midst of performing environmental, turbine location and wind analysis work on the Alexis project.

Wind power developers believe the government's action has little to do with national security, but rather is aimed at blocking the construction of a wind farm off the coast of Cape Cod, Mass. Opponents of the Cape Cod project, including U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), claim the 130-turbine wind farm in Nantucket Sound would spoil the ocean view, hurt the tourist economy and endanger migratory birds.

"What we have are some liberal policymakers trying to find ways to stop that project," said Arndt.

While it was the lawmakers' intent to halt the Cape Cod project, Arndt said the result of their power play through the U.S. Department of Defense has resulted in many other wind farm projects across the Midwest being put on hold. An Invenergy project in Wisconsin - Forward Wind Energy Center near Fond de Lac and Dodge counties - is in jeopardy because of the stoppage.

"This is the worst possible time to place roadblocks in the way of wind development, when Wisconsin is making critical decisions about building new generation," said Katie Nekola, energy program director for Clean Wisconsin.

Wind Farms

- Bishop Hill Wind Energy Farm, proposed by Invenergy, is a $500 million project with more than 250 turbines and 100 landowners.

- Alexis Wind Farm Project, proposed by Greenlight Energy, is $240 million project with 100 turbines and 30 landowners.