LISMORE - On a morning where wind gusts reached 34 km/h, Halifax-based company Shear Wind Inc. announced plans to build the largest Nova Scotia wind turbine park to date near Merigomish.
Glen Dhu wind park will be located on 2,420 hectares of privately owned land on Browns Mountain, off Baileys Brook Road. The 30-turbine project will generate 60 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 17,500 homes.
Construction is expected to begin in 2008, to be complete in 2009.
"Today marks a historic event in Pictou County and I'm certainly pleased to be part of it," says Mike Magnus, president and CEO of Shear Wind Inc. "This will represent upwards of a $150-million investment in this community."
This is the second wind energy announcement for Pictou County in two weeks. Reuben Burge, president of RMSenergy Ltd, signed a long-term agreement with Nova Scotia Power to build the 51-megawatt, 34-turbine farm on Dalhousie Mountain last month.
Wednesday's announcement was made at the Lismore and District Community Hall. Roughly 60 people attended the news conference, including residents of the area.
Bob Bennett of Merigomish stood to raise concern that 30 wind turbines near his home would create unwanted noise.
"From what we can gather, 95 per cent of the turbines are located three to four kilometers away from the closest residence," replied Magnus. "We wanted to take a responsible lead. We are very sensitive to that."
The project is also expected to create jobs. Magnus says dozens of Nova Scotians will be hired to install the 80-metre high turbines and eight people will be hired to maintain the park full time.
Glen Dhu will also feature an eco-interpretive centre, which will provide education on wind power and technology to the public.
"I'm sure the interpretive centre will generate a lot of interest," says MLA Clarrie MacKinnon, Pictou East. "I'm also of the understanding that there will be local history incorporated in the general kiosk-type area. That, in itself, will make it a destination."
Shear Wind has entered into a 20-year contract with Nova Scotia Power. Magnus says the site of the future wind park is ideal because there are three major power lines going through the property, which is almost unheard of.
But not everyone is excited about the prospect of having wind turbines in their backyard. Kristen Overmyer, a mechanical engineer living in Baileys Brook, says the Glen Dhu project is a waste of time and money.
"My concern is that they are not meeting the fundamental problem of reducing greenhouse gas emissions," he says. "The problem is not one lump of coal will be saved in putting up wind turbines. Most of the people think these turbines are going to replace the coal plants. That is a falsehood."
Ralph Tedesco, president and CEO of Nova Scotia Power, says the project is part of Nova Scotia Power's strategy to increase the amount of energy produced from wind in Nova Scotia by 500 per cent between now and 2010, in turn, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
However, Nova Scotia Power customers should not expect to see a change in the price they pay for electricity.
"The thing about the renewable energy contracts like the one were are talking about today is that the contracts are typically 20 to 25 years in time frame at a fixed price," says Rob Bennett, executive vice president, Revenue and Sustainability for Nova Scotia Power. "The price that we pay today for this energy will be the same 20 years from now when costs for other types of energies, like fossil fuels, have increased. It helps to stabilize the cost for customers."
The Glen Dhu project still needs to undergo an environmental assessment by the energy department. In the meantime, there will be public consultation where residents of the area can bring any concerns they may have to the department.
Another windfarm blowing into Pictou County
- Published on April 3rd, 2008
- Published on December 31st, 2009
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Sarah Regan
Halifax-based company to build 30-turbine park in Merigomish area
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Comments
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- Henery
- - January 18th, 2010 at 13:12:37
Wind energy is not the way to go, it is easily sold to the public as green but the technology has several draw backs.
It isnt cheap energy; the cost is higher than we now pay per KW hour.
It isnt reliable; if the wind doesnt blow the current doesnt flow.
It does not improve the beauty of the landscape, rotating blades on the horizon doesnt work for me.
The turbines need a lot of maintenance.
We could place a turbine on ever hill in Nova Scotia and still not meet our demands.
What it does do, it gives the impression that Nova Scotia is attempting to solve the pollution mess we mortals have created. I would wager that twenty years from now none of these new turbines will be turning out a MW of power. The sad part is most energy experts agree; wind power is just a poor attempt at public relations.
In my opinion the answer is hydro; Nova Scotia has access to the highest tides in the world, some fourteen feet of water flows one way then reverses, four times per day, day after day, year after year, this is the area we should vigorously develop. -
- James
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:59:38
Good point Henery. I too feel that the future of our power supply is the ocean's tide, but I think that technology needs a lot of research and commitment. Right now, theres a small tidal power generating station in Annapolis. I was on a tour of it two summers ago and while it still runs after nearly 3 decades (I believe) of operation, there are still some major logistical challenges to confront before you can use it as a primary power source. Off the top of my head I can remember the manager discussing the disruption of aquatic life, the build up of silt along the cost, the destructiveness of salt water, and a few other concerns.
Hopefully with some strong research and innovation this technology can be better adapted to fit our region. -
- bill
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:39:35
Oh my people upset because of noise and all in an uproar about how a wind farm looks. I share your concern living in stellarton and seeing the mess on MacGregor Ave but where were you when we wanted a stop to that. I will trade any of you. In fact fill that all in and anyone has my blessing to put as many turbines as you can fit there.
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- SB
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:20:25
Chill out Fred....everyone is entitiled to their opinion. At least NS is trying to do something about our climate sitution but I truly believe there's no better way than if we all did our part. Turning lights out when not in use, washing laundry in cold water, recycling, etc. It's all little things but if everyone did it there could be a real difference made.
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- Gayr
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:13:36
Windmill power is fantastic, enough said. To complain about noise etc. is simply complete ignorance. Given our planets situation windmills are an incredibly good source of power. Simple.
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- Mildred
- - January 18th, 2010 at 11:53:04
SB, Gayr said and I quote Windmill power is fantastic, enough said. To complain about noise etc. is simply complete ignorance sounds like your are asking the wrong person to chill. I would complain about noise, flicker and other problems caused by rotating blades. I do not believe it is ignorance to express a view, suppressing a view, thought or free speech is ignorance.
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- fred
- - January 18th, 2010 at 11:47:28
Ok, since Gayr from ab knows it all there is no use having any more discussion lets move on, thats if it is OK with Gayr.
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- brian
- - January 18th, 2010 at 11:44:54
The value of greener power to this county; in terms of a safer environment to raise our children, far out-ways the NIMY factor. Although, I understand the desire to protect the value of the investment in ones home or cottage, is it not more important to protect our kids health and ability to make their own investments in the future? A better physical environment and healthy economic environment are the keys to our childrens future. Shear Wind do your job, do it safely and residents of Pictou County please see this for the opportunity it is.
