Electricity from wind energy is one of the fastest growing methods of electrical generation in the world. Kinetic energy from moving air is converted into electricity by wind turbines that are mounted in locations where there are favourable weather patterns.
Wind turbines generally consist of large blades mounted on tall towers attached to a horizontal shaft. As the wind blows, these blades cause the shaft to turn. The shaft is attached to a generator located inside the head, or “nacelle” of the turbine, which generates electricity. Cables carry this electrical current to transmission lines that then carry it to homes and businesses. Modern turbines rotate quite slowly, at an average speed of between 18 to 20 revolutions per minute.
With good placement, a modern wind turbine will typically produce electricity 70 percent of the time. Enhanced technology and design improvements have also played a part in increasing the reliability of wind power allowing turbines to generate electricity in all but the most extreme weather conditions.
Grand Valley
Veresen is advancing its plans to construct Phase I and II of the Grand Valley wind project, in which we hold a 75 percent interest. As part of the Ontario Power Authority's Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program and Feed-in-Tarriff Program, Grand Valley has been awarded 9MW and 11MW contracts for Phase I and II, each with 20 year terms. We have received the necessary permit approvals and commercial in-service is projected for the second quarter of 2012.
St. Columban
St. Columban Energy LP is proposing to develop, construct, and operate the 33 megawatt (MW) (15 turbine) St. Columban Wind Project (the Project) in the Municipality of Huron East, Huron County, Ontario.
The Project is being proposed in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act and O. Reg. 359/09. The Project has undergone an Environmental Screening under O. Reg. 116/01, and a Notice of Completion under that process was issued in the summer of 2009. The current Renewable Energy Approval (REA) has drawn heavily on information included in the Environmental Screening, to fulfill current regulatory requirements under O. Reg. 359/09.
Due to recent developments with Hydro One Networks Inc. (HONI), St. Columban Energy LP will now be constructing a 34.5kV - approximately 43 km underground electrical interconnection line from the Project wind turbines to a transformer station and one of two connection points to the existing HONI electrical distribution system near Wroxeter. Project infrastructure will now be located in the Municipalities of Huron East and Morris-Turnberry, and the Township of Howick, Huron County.
Renewable Energy Approval Application - Draft Documents
Stage 1 and 2 Archaeological Assessments
