AMHERST - A $61-million wind project near Amherst is a step closer to completion.
The last of 15 turbines associated with the project was put in place on Saturday with the lifting of the nacelle, hub assembly and blades. It was the final lift of the project.
"It's a significant milestone for us as a company," Sprott Power chief operating officer Don Bartlett said Sunday. "We're delighted to be in the position we are."
While the turbines are all in place, Bartlett said there's a lot of work to be done before the project begins producing electricity.
"There's a lot of commissioning work that's required. That includes finishing the electrical-mechanical components inside the turbines and connecting the transmission line to the substation," Bartlett said. "At the same time, we're working hard to finish the substation work."
Bartlett said the project has been helped by what was an open winter. While weather could still slow things down, he doesn't expect that to happen since the remaining work doesn't require lifting operations.
The project is expected to generate 31.5-megawatts of power - enough electricity for approximately 10,000 homes.
Sprott is also looking to expand the project to the east of the Trans-Canada Highway. The company is holding an open house on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Wandlyn to discuss the possible expansion.
dcole@amherstdaily.com
