Wind Power News: New Brunswick
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Wind turbine stalls at Dorchester Penitentiary
Recurrent mechanical failures have prevented a $2-million wind turbine outside of the Dorchester Penitentiary from operating properly since its installation three years ago. The 600 kW wind turbine has been faced with a number of operational issues on and off since 2009, when the turbine was erected as part of Correctional Service of Canada’s efforts to use renewable energy in the operation of the penitentiary. Veronique Rioux, a media spokesperson with CSC, says the turbine’s most recent breakdown came in . . .
Wind turbines stall at 2 federal prisons
A $2.5-million wind turbine at the Dorchester Penitentiary has stopped working and the Correctional Service of Canada cannot estimate when it will be generating electricity again. The federal government purchased two wind turbines for Canadian penitentiaries in the last five years but both units have caused problems. A 600-kW/h wind turbine was installed at the Dorchester Penitentiary in 2009, making it the first federal institution to generate a portion of its electricity from wind. However, nearby residents say the wind . . .
Campobello wind turbine could kill 1,000 birds
An environmental group is worried about the bird population on Campobello Island if a proposal for a wind turbine goes ahead. World Council for Nature wrote a letter to the Environment and Local Government Minister Bruce Northrup warning birds, such as bald eagles who use the nearby Roosevelt Campobello International Park as a breeding ground, are at risk of flying into the turbine. The international organization said up to 1,000 birds could be killed per year if the 50-metre turbine . . .
Campobello council hears opposition to wind turbine project
Welshpool resident Sherry Johnston addressed the Campobello Rural Community Council meeting on April 30, challenging the council to “listen to your citizens” regarding the recent letter of support for the proposed wind turbine near the southern end of Harbour de Lute. “The vast majority of Welshpoolers and many other islanders oppose a wind turbine,” she contended, citing a list of reasons beginning with threats of damage to “the aesthetic beauty and character of Campobello Island,” which she observed is the . . .
Early investigations may rekindle Grand Manan turbine plans
Long before a private developer sought permission to install a lone wind turbine on Campobello, neighbouring Grand Manan was a hotbed of turbine discussion. But some 10 years of thought and discussion on the matter has yet to see a single turbine on the island, an area deemed ideal for wind-power generation. Ontario-based Sprott Power Corporation (TSX: SII) is the latest to pursue the matter, confirmed Grand Manan mayor Dennis Green. Sprott has obtained the rights once held by Firstwind, . . .
Ice plagues northern wind farm; Only 11 of 33 turbines operating
Cold weather continues to plague a northern New Brunswick wind farm with technical issues. The intense cold over the past week has caused ice to build up on turbine blades at the Caribou Wind Park near Bathurst. Only 11 out of 33 turbines are currently running, officials with GDF Suez Energy North America, the company that owns the wind park, confirmed. Company spokesperson Julie Vitek said the problems continue to occur due to the location’s tendency to attract fog. When . . .
Acciona still hoping to build wind farm on Tantramar Marsh
A proposed wind farm project along the Tantramar Marsh in Aulac is still on track to become a reality although it’s still unclear as to when that might happen. “We’re continuing to develop it,” said Michael Petersen, development director with Acciona Wind Energy Canada Inc. earlier this week. Acciona, one of the world’s leading renewable energy firms, began the initial steps towards the project more than four years ago when it landed the contract from NB Power to construct the . . .
New Brunswick’s incredible wind follies
On May 10 the third wind farm in New Brunswick went into operation near Lamèque. Promoters are – what else? – promoting the idea of building more wind farms. Let’s look at that Lamèque facility. It is touted as being able to “produce enough energy to power 8,000 homes.” That’s fine, as long as the wind is blowing at full strength (typically 60 kilometres an hour). But what happens when the wind falls off, say to half? Electrical output drops . . .
