A recent symposium at Carteret Community College explored the challenges and opportunities associated with the expansion of the renewable energy industry along the North Carolina coast.
Energy
Offshore wind advocates weigh opportunities, uncertainties
Government officials, researchers and utility insiders shared their observations and concerns about the burgeoning industry during a recent symposium.
Scientists dispute claims behind call for wind moratorium
Researchers say there’s no evidence that offshore wind development surveys contributed to the recent deaths of whales along the Mid-Atlantic coast, where officials have called for a moratorium.
Pender revises zoning ‘to properly regulate’ solar farms
Commissioners amended zoning text Dec. 5, less than a week after a California-based solar company filed a lawsuit against the county for turning down its request for a permit.
Draft wind energy areas off NC coast may be downsized
The recently announced draft offshore wind energy areas, including two off the northern North Carolina coast, may be scaled back before being finalized early next year.Â
New law repeals offshore wind energy lease moratorium
President Biden signed the bill Tuesday, promising millions of new good-paying, clean energy jobs and repealing the previous administration’s 10-year pause on wind energy leasing off the East Coast.
Offshore wind turbine impacts a trade-off, panelists say
Construction of wind turbines off the North Carolina coast could affect birds and marine life, and while scientists and others seek more information on the extent of those effects, those who spoke during a forum last week in Wilmington said climate change is likely a greater threat.
Supreme Court ruling will not stop NC’s required CO2 cuts
But the recent 6-3 decision limiting EPA authority to address climate change has broader national implications that will affect the Tar Heel State, environmental law experts say.
Hand in hand, advocacy groups to regroup for clean energy
Various coastal North Carolina nonprofits are organizing Hands Across the Sand events Saturday as part of the national movement to raise awareness of clean energy alternatives.
Officials tout economic boom from offshore wind industry
Offshore wind manufacturing could bring an estimated $140 billion and tens of thousands of new jobs to North Carolina by 2035, if steps are taken now, say those who spoke during the first meeting last week of a state Commerce Department task force.
Questions remain following offshore wind energy event
Brunswick County officials, residents and interest groups who were initially wary of offshore wind development here said visual representations of turbines presented last week in Southport did little to change their minds.
Brunswick officials’ worries over offshore wind unresolved
Officials along North Carolina’s southern coast say the federal government has yet to address their concerns over the distance of proposed offshore wind turbines.
Brunswick board to stake out position on offshore turbines
The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners is expected Monday to consider a resolution opposing offshore wind turbines less than 24 miles from shore, taking its cue from oceanfront towns.
Solar, storage investments mutually beneficial: report
Investing in solar power along with energy storage capacity can overcome challenges that skeptics cite as renewable energy’s limitations in meeting demand.
Southport Power Plant to Cease Operating
CPI will shut down its polluting power plant near Southport by March 31, 2021, according to a draft agreement between the company and DEQ’s Division of Air Quality.
Offshore Moratorium Includes Wind Energy
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has confirmed that the Trump administration’s 10-year moratorium on offshore energy leasing includes renewable energy.
