CanWEA 2011 from the show floor

Though word on the street is the attendance at the Canadian Wind Energy show is down from last year, the somewhat slow traffic makes it easy to connect with companies.

However, despite the lower attendance, Canadian wind energy is still doing well. British Columbia ranks sixth provincially in installed wind energy capacity, despite being the last Canadian province to add a utility-scale wind project to its electricity grid. Existing provincial energy policy is very supportive of renewable energy, and BC’s wind resources are very competitive with other new generation options, with six new projects set for completion by 2014. Moreover, updated projections now indicate BC is on the cusp of a large and rapid increase for energy demand.

CanWEA also unveiled its new WindVision for BC at the conference, a strategic plan that will highlight the need for, and benefits of, large-scale wind energy development in British Columbia. The plan sets a goal for British Columbia to satisfy 17% of its projected electricity demand with clean, affordable wind energy by the year 2025. CanWEA says pairing wind energy with BC’s existing hydroelectric infrastructure will result in an electricity system ideally suited to the future needs of British Columbians.

Electronics & hydraulics repair firm to show at CanWEA

An independent repair company for electronics, hydraulics, and precision mechanical assemblies, will showcase its off-warranty repair support for wind energy operations and maintenance (O&M) professionals at the CANWEA 2011 Annual Conference and Exhibition. PSI Repair Services will exhibit in booth 1336 at the 2011 CanWEA Conference and Exhibition which will be held October 3 to 6 at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Recent stats suggest that 79% of wind turbines are set to move out of warranty in less than five years. Because wind energy is independent of fuel costs, a repeatable and cost effective O&M strategy can have an immediate impact on an operator’s bottom line.

The company is said to offer fast, affordable repairs for out-of-warranty electronic and mechanical wind turbine components from all the major manufacturers, including General Electric, Vestas, Zond, Neg Micon, and others. Components repaired include printed circuit boards, PLCs, control cards, VRCC components, IGBTs, thyristors, hub converters, pitch motors, hydraulic pumps, servo motors, transducers, and more. All repairs come with a free evaluation and one-year warranty.

The company also offers engineering services that can enhance the performance of new and old wind turbine components with superior and more efficient technology. For unsalvageable parts, PSI offers state-of-the-art remanufacturing services. For more information on CanWEA 2011, visit www.canwea2011.ca

PSI Repair Services
PSI Repair Services, Inc.

Ontario farm values hit record levels contrary to claims by wind opponents

The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) recently welcomed news that the most of Ontario’s agricultural regions have enjoyed a significant increase in prices for farm land over 2010 prices. The RE/MAX Market Trends Report – Farm Edition 2011 released Sept. 12 found rising agricultural commodity values and tight inventory levels have contributed to a significant upswing in the price of Ontario farmland in 2011.
“It is promising to hear that the value of agricultural property has increased in most regions of Ontario, especially in areas like Chatham-Kent and Windsor-Essex where wind energy has also enjoyed significant growth over the past few years,” said Chris Forrest, vice-president of communications with CanWEA. “This would seem to run contrary to claims made by opponents that wind energy has decreased property values. Chatham-Kent, for example, has enjoyed a significant increase in farm land value in 2011 while also seeing several new wind farms come online.”

The report also states: “A growing number of farmers are entering into contracts to host wind or solar power projects, while others opt to permit the extraction of gas and natural resources, as seen in markets like Chatham-Kent and Windsor and Essex County. These arrangements have provided an alternate source of income and underscored the budding possibilities that exist for land owners.”

“We need new sources of energy in Ontario. Wind is a smart choice because it is clean and provides economic benefits to landowners and the local community,” said Chatham-Kent farmer Reinout Von Martels in a testimonial for wind energy.

Ontario is Canada’s wind energy leader with 1,656 MW in place. A landmark study ‘The Economic Impacts of the Wind Energy Sector in Ontario 2011 – 2018’ by ClearSky Advisors demonstrates that meeting the wind energy targets identified under the province’s Long-Term Energy Plan (LTEP) would result in more than $1.1 billion in revenues to local municipalities and landowners in the form of taxes and lease payments over the 20-year lifespan of the projects.

“I support wind energy because farmers have always looked for ways to use their land productively. Wind energy has a growing role to play in Ontario, and I’m proud to be part of that change,” said Bruce Ribey, a Bruce County farmer, in a testimonial for wind energy.
CanWEA is the voice of the wind energy industry, actively promoting the responsible and sustainable growth of wind energy throughout Canada on behalf of its more than 420 members. A national non-profit association, CanWEA serves as Canada’s leading source of credible information about wind energy and its social, economic and environmental benefits. The document Wind Vision 2025 – Powering Canada’s Future, is available at www.canwea.ca .

CanWEA
www.canwea.ca

 

Ottawa plans to add 10,700 MW long term

The Ontario government’s commitment to wind energy has been outlined in its directive to the OPA. It is intended to send a signal to investors that Ontario will be a leader in creating clean energy and new jobs, says the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA). The Long Term Energy Plan calls for an increase to 10,700 MW of renewable energy in Ontario and transmission upgrades to support them. Wind energy represents most of the development.

“Wind energy’s growing contribution to Ontario’s electricity supply is creating jobs and economic opportunities for manufacturers, service providers, landowners, and rural municipalities in Ontario,” says CanWEA president Robert Hornung. “Reaffirming the government’s target for new wind-energy supply and proceeding quickly with new contracts for wind-energy projects and necessary transmission upgrades will strengthen investor confidence that Ontario is a good place to do business.”

Growing from the current 1,598 MW of wind energy capacity to about 7,000 MW by 2018 represents more than 450% growth. This means a minimum of 12,500 jobs created to support industry construction and operations to 2018, more than $12.5 billion in new investment for the province, and roughly $22 million in annual lease payments to landowners and an equal amount in tax benefits to municipalities.

“The wind energy industry looks forward to awarding new wind-energy contracts and working with government and the Ontario Power Authority to hit this target and move beyond it after 2018,” says Hornung. “We will also continue to work to ensure that wind-energy development in communities is both responsible and sustainable.”

Wind energy has increased 10-fold in the last six years in Canada as governments seek ways to meet rising energy demand, reduce environmental impacts of electricity generation, and stimulate rural and industrial economic development. Canada currently has 4,155 MW of installed wind energy capacity. Ontario is the provincial leader in installed wind energy capacity with 1,598 of wind energy development. Quebec and Alberta follow at 663 MW and 806 MW respectively, and Canada’s remaining seven provinces together account for the remainder .

Canadian Wind Energy Association

canwea.ca

Ontario gets about 6% of its power from wind

Wind energy is powering Ontario with more clean energy than ever before as production records from the Independent Electricity Operator (IESO) show energy production from wind at about 6% of total Ontario supply on February 14 – compared to about 1.5% from coal the same day. Earlier in the month, wind energy reached a record level for hourly production with 1,296 MW.

“Wind energy is making a significant and growing contribution to Ontario’s electricity supply as well as bringing jobs and economic opportunities to the province,” says Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) president Robert Hornung. “With about 700 turbines now operating in Ontario, the wind energy industry is creating new ‘green jobs’ for Ontario’s manufacturing sector at a time when job losses are almost every day news. Wind energy will play an even greater role powering the province through the government’s Long-Term Energy Plan.”

Almost 300 MW of new wind energy capacity was installed in Ontario in 2010, and significantly more is under construction and on track for installation in 2011. A typical 100 MW wind farm in Ontario creates about 100 construction, manufacturing and service jobs as well as 33 high quality, full-time jobs over the long term, many in rural areas. It also generates about $300,000 in tax revenue for municipalities and $300,000 in annual lease payments for rural landowners.

Canada currently has 4,155 MW of installed wind energy capacity. Ontario is the provincial leader in installed wind energy capacity with 1,598 MW (one-third) of wind energy development. Quebec and Alberta follow at 663 MW and 806 MW respectively (one-third), and Canada’s remaining seven provinces together account for the remaining one-third. The document Wind Vision 2025 – Powering Canada’s Future is available at www.canwea.ca.

Canadian Wind Energy Association
www.canwea.ca

 

Canadian court upholds current regulations for wind turbine setbacks

The wind energy industry in Ontario is pleased with the recent Ontario Divisional Court decision to uphold the current regulations for wind turbine setbacks. The application by Ontario resident Ian Hanna suggested, among other things, that the government did not adhere to its own Statement of Environmental Values (SEV) in developing a setback of 550 m for the siting of wind turbines. The Court ruled that set-back distances were established through an extensive public consultation process which considered the views of a wide range of stakeholders and that the Minister did consider the SEV.

“The wind-energy industry is committed to the responsible and sustainable development of wind energy in Ontario and across the country. We have stated from the outset that this application had no merit and should not have been brought before the court,” said Robert Hornung, president of CanWEA. “Ontario’s set-back regulations are among the most stringent in the world and are designed to protect the health and safety of the public. CanWEA member companies ensure they are in compliance with all regulatory requirements.”

The balance of expert scientific and medical information to date clearly indicates there is no direct link between wind turbines and effects on human health, said Hornung. This is backed, he points out, by the province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health as well as the National Public Health Institute in Quebec, and a growing body of peer-reviewed scientific and medical information. “As a responsible industry, we will continue to receive and review new and credible information as it is made available,” said Hornung.

Canadian Wind Energy Assn
www.canwea.ca

Construction firm opens Ontario office

A renewable-energy contractor hosted the Canadian Wind Energy Association and local dignitaries celebrating the opening of an office for Mortenson Construction, or Mortenson Canada in Ontario. Along with CanWEA, the event included a brief program and ribbon-cutting ceremony that highlighted wind energy growth and the significant benefits it provides to communities across Ontario.

To date, Mortenson-built wind farms have resulted in the creation of over 500 jobs in Ontario and thousands throughout Canada. Mortenson estimates their renewable projects will infuse between $80 to $90 million into local economies by the end of 2011.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to expand our presence in Canada,” said Mark Donahue, vice president and general manager for Mortenson Canada’s Renewable Energy Group. “It strengthens our commitment to fostering growth in the wind-energy industry and furthers economic development throughout Canada.”

“The Canadian Wind Energy Association values its partnership with Mortenson and the positive impact their projects have had in many communities,” says CanWEA President Robert Hornung. “We’re delighted to be part of an event that celebrates the growing success of wind energy in Ontario, bringing new investment and jobs to rural areas.”

Mortenson entered the renewable energy market in 1995 and has since built nearly 100 wind projects throughout North America, across 23 states and provinces. As a leading EPC contractor, Mortenson has been constructing projects in diverse industries across North America since 1954. The company has led the industry in the construction of utility-scale renewable power facilities, having generated nearly 10,000 megawatts of clean energy throughout North America.

Mortenson Construction
www.mortenson.com

CanWEA names new board memebers

Canadian Wind Energy Association’s (CanWEA) annual conference in Montreal, Brent Bergland, construction executive with Mortenson Canada Corporation (Mortenson) was elected as a member of the 2011-2013 board of directors. Chosen by industry peers, Bergland was one of five newly elected directors to the 12 member board. Mortenson is the sole engineering and construction representative on the board. “Being elected to the CanWEA board of directors amongst a group of established peers in the Canadian wind industry is great step for the company,” says Bergland. “I believe it provides the benefits our collective North American wind experience brings to the CanWEA board. I am truly humbled and honored with this election.”

CanWEA is the voice of Canada’s wind energy industry, actively promoting the responsible and sustainable growth of wind energy on behalf of its more than 450 member companies. A national non-profit association, CanWEA serves as Canada’s leading source of credible information about wind energy and its social, economic and environmental benefits.

Bergland has extensive wind development exposure, design management, and technical project management experience in the wind industry. To-date, his wind power experience includes 35 projects totaling in excess of 3,500 MW. He has direct involvement with approximately 1,300 MW of wind projects in five provinces throughout Canada.

Mortenson Canada Corporation

www.mortenson.com/wind

From Germany, with love and 1.8 MW

The new MM100 wind turbine, introduced at November’s CanWEA Canadian wind energy trade fair, has been developed for the North American wind market and will be available in a 60-Hz version with an 80-m tower height and a 1.8 MW rating. The turbine, from REpower in Germany, is for use in areas with low wind speeds. The 100-m rotor, about 18m more than other turbines, will assist in energy capture. New LM 48.9P Evolution rotor blades, developed jointly by LM Glasfiber and REpower, are used on the MM100. The turbine’s power cabling, conductor rails, and converter are modified for best grid properties in comparison with the other models in the series. The first pilot turbines are scheduled for installation as early as the end of 2011. Series production of the MM100 is set for mid-2012.

The turbine’s high net-capacity factor is of interest to owners. Locations with limited network feed-in capacity are common in the U.S. In these cases, it is better if the turbine achieves rated power quickly and thus makes the best possible use of the defined installation power.

REpower Systems has produced the MM series since 2002, starting with the MM70 with a 70-m rotor. The following year, the Hamburg-based wind turbine manufacturer launched its MM82 turbine with an 82-meter diameter. Following in 2005 was the MM92, a variant with a larger rotor, which is already at work on many American wind farms, along with a cold climate version in Canada. REpower CTO Matthias Schubert says: “When developing the MM100, we were able to build on our experience with over 1,700 MM-series turbines installed across the world. The turbine is based on the same reliable and maintenance-friendly concept as its predecessors.”

Repower Systems AG
repower.de

CanWEA Attracts Top OEMs

Officials for the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) Annual Conference and Exhibition in Toronto say they sold out all 350-booth spaces to 235 exhibitors at the September event. The attendee count topped 2,000. What’s more, the conference drew ten utility and commercial wind turbine OEMs, a list that includes Acciona, Enercon, GE, Mitsubishi, Northern Power, and Siemens.

In conferences, several executives expressed a need for the loosening of credit to grow the market, which remains slower than most expected this late in the year. There was talk of supply-chain expansion as foreign OEMs work to domesticate their versions while other firms look to get started in North America.

There was good news for Ontario. The parliament for Canada’s largest province passed legislation for a Feed-in-Tariff ($0.19/kWh by one account) that will encourage new wind installations by providing fixed prices for onshore and offshore wind parks for the next 20 years. The law also calls for 25% domestic content for Ontario projects. That provision got high scores from local manufacturers. I n addition to OEMs, a range of support companies displayed equipment such as:

• N RG Systems (nrgsystems.com), a manufacturer of met masts and related equipment, showed devices such as 95-in. mounting booms for sensors, and sensors that assess wind shear and turbulence and help calculate a total wind volume and density.

• Kluber Lubricants (kluber.com) had information on its oils and greases. Among its recent products were three synthetic lubricants for wind turbines.

• Thomas & Betts (meyersteelstructures.com) showed the Quickpin, one way to get away from slow-to-apply nuts and bolts that often attach line-support arms to power transmission towers. It is a long unthreaded pin placed in the same connection holes drilled for bolts, but secured without the precise torque required by conventional fasteners.

• Tyco Electronics (http://energy.tycoelectronics.com/elbow) introduced the 35 kV 600 Amp T-body elbow arrester. The device is intended to protect underground cables and high voltage apparatus from lightening and switching-transient surges.

• Carbone of America (carbonebrush.com) displayed several new slip-ring designs.