June 17, 2008
Ontario
Ontario
Two wind measurement towers about 15 storeys tall will be erected in Waterloo next month.
The towers – approved by Waterloo councillors last night – could help determine if wind energy projects are feasible for the region.
The temporary 50-metre tall towers will be built the Waterloo Region Emergency Services Training Centre on Erb’s Road and at RIM Park near Grey Silo. Equipment monitored by the wind energy centre at the University of Waterloo will measure wind speeds, temperature and barometric pressure, said Karen Moyer, environmental special projects manager.
The university is in the process of developing a new turbine for future green energy production, Moyer said.
Moyer said if the study shows wind energy is feasible in the region and the community approves of the move, this could be in the first step in erecting mid-size wind turbines in the region. Wind turbines create energy without burning fossil fuels, she said.
Wind farms already exist on the Bruce Peninsula and near the towns of Grand Bend and Shelburne.
“It’s innovative especially with the energy crisis and the cost of fuel rising. This makes sense,” Moyer.
Waterloo will pay $25,000 towards the cost of the project; the Region of Waterloo has given $25,000, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities has provided $55,000.
Liz Monteiro
Record Staff
17 June 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/06/17/waterloo-decides-to-test-the-winds/