Tag Archives: turbine blades
Vineyard Wind Restarts Installing Turbine Blades
Vineyard Wind began reinstalling turbine blades on its turbines over the weekend for the first time since one blade broke off into the ocean earlier this year. Vineyard Wind and its turbine manufacturer GE Vernova resumed the blade installation on Saturday, installing three blades, according to Vineyard Wind and government officials. The construction marks the first blade work in five months after one doubled over and scattered thousands of pieces of debris into the water in July. Nantucket town officials, who have been closely following the development of offshore wind to the island’s south, notified residents Friday that construction would be starting the following day. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 14:57
Toxic Blade Time Bomb
We have documented the threats of industrial wind turbines to both soil and water in their pre and post-construction phases, not to mention birds, bats, insects, and humans. But not enough has been said about the serious environmental threat of “blade shedding.” This is erosion that occurs primarily on the edge of turbine blades as they are exposed to the elements. And it is far from benign: “Microplastic shedding from turbine blades, known as Leading Edge Erosion, is a great concern to manufacturers who are forced to repair the damage that occurs after only a couple of years. The particles eroded from blades include epoxy which is 40% Bisphenol-A (BPA), a frequently banned endocrine disruptor and neurotoxin. Academic research has shown the potential for 137 pounds of epoxy microparticles to be shed per turbine per year.” Mark Twichell, Citizens Against Wind Turbines in Lake Erie, October 29, 2022, The Buffalo News more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 08:32
The New Generation of Hydropower Dams Let Fish Swim Straight Through
The journey between the States and the Sargasso Sea is complicated not only by the trawling nets of fisherman, but the steep concrete walls and sharp steel turbines of hydroelectric power plants, over 900 of which are located within the native range of the American eel. Such dams provide huge amounts of emissions-free energy to the US, making them an essential tool in fighting climate change. Allowing fish to safely pass directly through turbines is a new frontier in making dams fish friendly. Thus far, Natel has completed three hydro installations: in Oregon, Maine, and Austria. >click to read< 09:24
