Massive wind farm project moving ahead

The company developing a massive wind farm in Haldimand County and West Niagara has begun a slew of studies that could help it secure necessary provincial approvals to move the project forward.

Niagara Region Wind Corp. spokeswoman Randi Rahamim said the company erected a meteorological tower in the region six months ago to gather data on wind velocity and weather data. Two more towers will soon be built in the region.

"It's more of a study period, as opposed to a public open house period," she said. "It will help us with eventual position of the turbines."

Rahamim said the company, which hopes to build a $550-million wind farm in parts of Dunnville, Lowbanks, West Lincoln, Wainfleet and Pelham, is working on the renewable energy approvals process. If approved, 77 turbines could be built and generate enough electricity for up to 57,000 homes.

Of those turbines, Rahamim estimates about 30 per cent of them would be in the eastern parts of Haldimand County.

The NRWC has optioned more than 80 pieces of land to potentially place turbines.

"What that means is these properties are options for us. It doesn't mean turbines will be placed on the properties," she said.

Last February, the NRWC was awarded a feed-in-tariff contract from Ontario Power Authority.

In September, the NRWC partnered with Capital Power Corporation, Pattern Energy and Samsung to negotiate a deal with Haldimand County known as the Community Vibrancy Fund. These companies will be contributing $2 million a year to the betterment of the county over the next 20 years.

"We decided to partake because we recognized the cumulative impacts this would have on Haldimand. Niagara Region Wind Corp is keen on being a good neighbour and responsible community partners," Rahamim said.

She said an early turbine layout plan will be put together to help plan the project. The final layout will be made available 90 days before the final open house which could be scheduled for the summer.

Rahamim said the final project could be submitted for approval by the fall, but it's too early to know if the company will hit that deadline. It can take up to six months for the province to approve a wind project, she said.

In September, NRWC announced a $400-million deal with ENERCON that will see the German firm supply all 77 3.0-megawatt wind turbines to the company's 230-megawatt project. The turbines will be built at the two facilities to be located somewhere in Niagara.

"Which is great news for Haldimand County," Rahamim mentioned. "Jobs are being created in the overall area and not only jobs associated with the immediate construction of the project ... but a convertor and control panel facility would be permanent."

Site location for both factories will be decided by the spring. Turbine production will start in summer 2013.

Construction of the wind farm could take up to a year, with the company aiming to have the project operational by spring 2014. The company says the wind farm itself will create 770 jobs during the development and construction phases and 110 jobs after its completion.