Italy faces wind opposition

subscribe

While most members of the European Union have joined in the push for wind energy, some, like Italy, face resistance.

Anti-wind groups are pushing for a moratorium on new wind-power projects, claiming the wind turbines negatively affect the landscape and surrounding wildlife. They also say developers take advantage of residents in small towns with bad deals, and they question the reliability of a power source that is highly variable.

"Anti-wind has been more successful here," said Fabrizio Fabbri, head of the Technical Secretariat for the Italian Ministry of Environment.

While the industry needs better rules and regulations, Fabbri acknowledged, a full-fledged, permanent moratorium would not accomplish anything, and, in addition, it could hinder the European wind industry.

Residents are hesitant to allow wind projects anywhere near historical sites or natural reserves and are greatly limiting the areas where turbines could be placed.

Under the new EU policy, Italy will have to come up with a plan, said Mechtild Rothe, vice president of the European Parliament. A plan to meet the bloc's emission-reduction targets will be mandatory.

Related News

Minnesota Power Northern Transmission Line

Minnesota Power energizes Great Northern Transmission Line

MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota Power, a utility division of ALLETE Inc. (NYSE:ALE), has energized its Great Northern Transmission Line, bringing online an innovative delivery and storage system for renewable energy that spans two states and one Canadian province.

The 500 kV line is now delivering 250 megawatts of carbon-free hydropower from Manitoba, Canada, to Minnesota Power customers.

Minnesota Power completed the Great Northern Transmission Line (GNTL) in February 2020, ahead of schedule and under budget. The 224-mile line runs from the Canadian border in Roseau County to a substation near Grand Rapids, Minnesota. It consists of 800 tower structures which were fabricated in…

READ MORE
power lines

Can California Manage its Solar Boom?

READ MORE

uk-ev-drivers-demand-fairer-vehicle-taxes

UK EV Drivers Demand Fairer Vehicle Taxes

READ MORE

doug-ford-new-stance-on-wind-power-in-ontario

Doug Ford's New Stance on Wind Power in Ontario

READ MORE

Scotland’s Wind Farms Generate Enough Electricity to Power Nearly 4.5 Million Homes

READ MORE