How do wind turbines generate electricity?
A wind turbine uses moving air to create electricity. Wind traveling across the blades creates lift – like an airplane wing - which drives a generator producing electricity. Electricity generated by utility-scale wind turbines is sent to the electric transmission system, where it displaces electricity that would otherwise have been generated by more traditional sources such as coal, oil, nuclear and natural gas.
What type of approvals do you need to begin constructing a wind project?
As a regulated utility, We Energies is required to obtain authorization from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) before it can construct a project. In addition, we work with the local communities and numerous other agencies including: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Wisconsin Department of Transportation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Federation, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Wisconsin State Historical Society and National Heritage Inventory.
Why do some of the turbines have lights on the top of them?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires the turbines around the perimeter of the project to have a red reference beacon. At BSGF, the FAA determined that out of the 88 turbines in the project area, 35 of them are required to have lights. In addition, the three meterological towers in the project also have the required FAA lights.
During construction, We Energies is required to provide the FAA with notification on each erected turbine including the location, height, and distance from the nearest airport and when the lighting will be activated. The FAA then uses this information to create a Notice to Airman (NOTAM), which is a notice that is issued to pilots during pre-flight briefings to ensure they have the essential information for safe flight.
What can you hear from the turbines?
The sounds generated by wind turbines are from: the blades rotating in the air, the gearbox located inside the nacelle and the yaw motors used to occasionally rotate the nacelle into the direction of the wind.
A pre- and post-construction study was conducted at our Blue Sky Green Field site to show the impacts of the turbines. The study concluded that the sound level is in compliance with the standards in the project permits and will not exceed 50 decibels audible (dBA) at a distance of 1,000 feet.
When considering the results described above, some context for dBA is helpful. As a point of reference, the typical sound levels for a conversation is around 60 dBA and a quiet office is approximately 50 dBA. Wind turbines typically operate quiet enough to hold a normal conversation at the base of the machines, and it is fairly common for the natural noises generated by the wind to drown out the sound from wind turbines.
We Energies has contracted with Hessler & Associates to conduct a pre- and post-construction sound study to show the potential impacts of the turbines at the Glacier Hills Wind Park site.
Are there any health concerns in relation to wind turbines?
There are no proven findings connecting wind turbines and adverse health conditions. Over the past decade, wind turbines have safely been used in the United States, Germany, Denmark and the United Kingdom.
Is there any danger of ice falling or being thrown from the wind turbines?
The ice that can form on a wind turbine is very similar to the thin sheet of ice that can form on utility poles, communication towers and power lines. Many times a wind turbine will shut down if ice forms on the blades as a result of the ice slowing down the rotation of the turbine. The ice will most likely melt off by the heat of the sun or from an increase in temperature. In the rare occurrence that the ice does not melt, pieces of ice can fall around the base of the turbine.
Why do the turbines not spin at times?
The most common reason that turbines stop spinning is because the wind is not blowing fast enough. Most wind turbines need a sustained wind speed of 9 MPH or higher to operate. Technicians will also stop turbines to perform routine maintenance or repairs.
What is the timeframe needed to construct a wind farm?
Construction is anticipated to be completed within one year from the start of activities. Approximately six months will be needed for site preparation and the installation of turbine foundations and cabling. An additional six months is needed for turbine erection.
Can wind turbines interfere with television and radio reception?
Wind turbines can interfere with television and radio signals received through an antenna. However, given the distances between wind turbines and homes or businesses, the turbines do not interfere with satellite technologies because the signal is received from above rather than from a land-based broadcasting tower.
In the event that signal interference from wind turbines is experienced, We Energies is committed to resolving the issue and covering the costs. We have employed a variety of technologies and techniques in the past to mitigate the issue. For example, at our Blue Sky Green Field Energy Center we have established a program to restore the local channels for those experiencing problems as a result of the turbines. The program includes an evaluation of the resident’s situation and applying the right solution. In some instances, the solution includes servicing an antenna, installing a different antenna or replacing components of the antenna system. If the antenna adjustments do not resolve the matter, the hardware and local programming for satellite service is provided.
There have also been instances where residents have experienced interference with FM radio reception. After evaluation, we have found that a commercially available HD radio is capable of clearing FM reception, and we will work with impacted landowners to provide this equipment.
Regardless of the technologies used to restore television or radio interference caused by our wind turbines, We Energies is committed to providing a remedy for as long as the turbines are operating.
What type of shadows do the wind turbines cast?
Wind turbines, like any large object, will cast shadows that will extend further at dusk and dawn when the sun is low on the horizon. The shadows cast by the wind turbines will vary with several factors including season, time of day, surrounding terrain, cloud cover, wind speed and direction.
Shadow experienced at any particular location will vary depending on the position relative to a turbine, wind speed, wind direction, natural or man-made obstructions, season and cloud cover. The number of hours of shadow per year decreases and the shadows become more diffused (i.e. not as bold or contrasting) with increasing distances from a turbine. For example, if a home was located approximately 1,200 feet from a turbine and there were no other natural or man-made obstructions, it may experience approximately 25 hours of shadow per year. However, if the home were to the south of the turbine, the sun would not be in a position to create a shadow.
At our Blue Sky Green Field Energy Center we have established a shadow mitigation program out of our commitment to address community concerns. The shadow program is for participating and non-participating landowners that fit within the parameters described below, and is intended to provide remediation for a residence with a material impact from shadow.
Landowners must be located within 1,200 feet of a turbine and experience shadow for a minimum of 25 hours a year in order to qualify for the program. Exceptions to the setback will be made upon verification. An exception might include elevation of a turbine or the cumulative impact of multiple turbines.
Will emergency helicopters respond to emergencies within the wind farm?
We Energies’ number one priority is always safety. A common misconception exists regarding the use of emergency-helicopter services within a wind farm. At our Blue Sky Green Field Energy Center this issue was also raised. At that location, the local communities and emergency responders established emergency response plans that include pre-designated landing zones for both Flight for Life and Theda Star emergency helicopter services.
Emergency responders have informed us that there is no prescriptive rule dictating that an emergency helicopter cannot land near a turbine. It is within the purview of each respective pilot to make that determination based on all of the variables presented at the site. As may be the case due to any nearby tall structure, building, power lines, trees or even a silo; a helicopter cannot always land at the actual scene of an accident. It is common for helicopter pilots to land in the immediate vicinity in coordination with the direction of emergency personnel on the ground. In addition to the variability of the immediate surroundings, weather and surface conditions play an important role in determining where a medical-helicopter pilot may decide to land. The pre-designated, nearby landing zones are mapped and have been communicated to both air-ambulance services.
We have also provided training to responders for specific emergency response to the turbines, and have funded the specialized equipment required for their use. In meetings and discussions with the emergency responders for our Blue Sky Green Field site, we have been assured they have a plan for emergency response within the project area, and are comfortable that it appropriately addresses the public safety as well as that of our employees working in the area. It is important to note that each turbine is permitted through the Federal Aviation Administration and Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
Do the local communities that host wind turbines receive payments?
Yes, state law specifies shared revenue compensation for the communities hosting generation facilities. The State of Wisconsin, through its utility shared revenue program, provides payments of state funds to local counties and municipalities that host generation facilities. These payments are based on the size of the facility. In addition, the State provides supplemental payments for baseload plants of 50 MW or larger and for renewable resources.
The annual utility shared revenue payments are currently based on $2,000 per MW, which is $300,000 per year for a 150 MW project. The town(s) receives 1/3 of this amount and the county receives the other 2/3. In addition to this base payment, every new generating facility that is powered by an alternative fuel generates an additional payment of $1,000 per MW for both the town and county. Applying this premium in the example, the towns and county in aggregate would receive $600,000 per year under the current utility shared revenue formulas.
Why did you choose this location for the Glacier Hills Wind Park?
The state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard requires Wisconsin utilities to generate 10 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2015. Currently, We Energies’ supply portfolio includes approximately 3 percent from renewable energy.
We Energies purchased the development rights for the wind project located in the towns of Randolph and Scott from Florida Power & Light in July 2008 .The purchase included the engineering, land easement agreements, electric interconnection agreement and meteorological towers for the project.
In general, siting a wind project is based on the availability of wind resources, community and landowner support, transmission access and other relevant siting factors. The Glacier Hills Wind Park has all of these attributes and characteristics making it a very viable location.
Where will the power generated at Glacier Hills Wind Park be used?
The energy produced from this project will benefit Wisconsin customers. Even after the Glacier Hills Wind Park is built, We Energies will need to continue importing power from other states to meet customer demands.
What size will the turbines be at the Glacier Hills Wind Park?
In May 2009, We Energies signed a conditional agreement with Vestas Wind Systems as the preferred supplier for 90 wind turbines. The agreement calls for the supply and maintenance of the Vestas V90-1.8 turbine, which is capable of producing 1.8 megawatts (MW) of electricity for a project total of 162 MW, enough energy to power more than 45,000 homes. The agreement with Vestas is contingent upon We Energies receipt of the final Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the project from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.
Will construction of the project cause damage to the roads, and how will the towns or counties be compensated for damage?
Constructing a wind generation facility requires substantial deliveries of concrete, stone, metal reinforcement material and the turbine components. These deliveries can result in damage or a reduction in the general condition of roads. We Energies utilizes a third party engineering firm, selected mutually with local government officials, to assess the road condition prior to the start of construction and at the conclusion of construction. The engineering firm uses current market pricing for road installation and repair to identify what damage was caused and the value owed to the various units of government. At this point, We Energies may repair the road or provide direct payment to the local government. In many instances, the local government would prefer the cash payment and then manage the restoration work as part of their overall road plan.
Having a third party analyze and assess financial responsibility worked very well for all parties at our Blue Sky Green Field project, and we’ve proposed the same structure for Glacier Hills Wind Park.
