February 16, 2017
Nova Scotia

Provincial government approves Ellershouse wind farm expansion

Hants Journal | February 15, 2017 | www.hantsjournal.ca

ELLERSHOUSE, N.S. – More wind power will be harnessed soon in the community of Ellershouse after the Minister of the Environment Margaret Miller released her decision to approve the project.

The approval is incumbent on the developer meeting several conditions, including monitoring of local wildlife such as birds and bats.

The expanded wind farm is being constructed by Minas Energy, which will operate the 16.4 MW expansion of the existing win farm.

The electricity generated by the expansion alone could power over 16,000 homes.

Miller released her decision on the expansion on Feb. 2, 2017, after an environmental assessment was conducted.

Previously, on Jan. 13, 2017, Miller determined that more information was required in order to make a decision on the project.

Minas Energy was told to provide information regarding sound level modelling and archaeological resources and the project was eventually approved.

Construction is anticipated to commence mid-2017 with operations to begin in 2018.

Prior to construction, Minas Energy is required to develop and implement a complaint and resolution plan to address any concerns members of the community may have. They are also required to seek input from the Mi’kmaq community.

The expanded wind farm will be the latest part of renewable energy infrastructure in West Hants, which also has a wind farm near Martock and several hydroelectric dams.

The provincial government plans to have 40 per cent of the energy generated in the province to come from renewable sources by 2020.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2017/02/16/provincial-government-approves-ellershouse-wind-farm-expansion/