The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutLakeshore Advance, 2013-06-12, Page 2424 Lakeshore Advance • Wednesday, June 12, 2013 ADVERTISEMENT Bend Wind Gord Potts Director Business Development and Project Manager Grand Bend Wind Farm for Northland Power Inc. Every 1,000 MW of new wind energy drives $2.5 billion in investments, creates 10,500 person-years of employment, and provides enough clean power for over 300,000 homes. • nity New!,y "'unity Wind Energy - Community Benefits By the numbers This month marked the fourth anniversary of the Green Energy and Economy Act. Since its introduction, more than 31,000 jobs have been created in Ontario; many of them in the manufacturing sector. Most wind farms in Ontario have been awarded 10 year power purchase agreements from the Ontario Power Authority. Over the lifespan of all of these projects, landowners are expected to benefit from over $1 billion in lease payments ensuring that they and their families can continue to rely on the land as a valued source of income for generations to corse. The move to an increase in renewable energy sources has juntpstarted a whole new industry that didn't exist in Ontario four years ago. A awl CANWEA report predicted that by aotH, the wind energy sector could attract up to $16 billion in private investments in Ontario, and up to $8.5 billion could be spent locally in communities across the province. This week, I'd like to let you know about the many benefits wind farms can offer your community. Buy Local, Hire Local There are three wind farms currently in development or construction in this area: the Grand Bend Wind Farm, and Next! RA's Goshen and Bluewater Wind Energy Projects. Once operational, these facilities will generate approximately 16oMW of clean energy; enough to power more than 75,000 homes'. All three projects will provide the community with direct and indirect employment through construction and operations jobs, patronage at local hotels, restaurants, pubs, grocery stores and other services. Northland Power's Grand Bend wind farm will use local sources for much of its labour and supplies. For example, the project is anticipated to use approximately $5 million of concrete and gravel, which will come from Local suppliers. During the estimated 14 -month construction period, the project will create up to 65 person-years of employment, as well as up to $2 million in local spending on hotels, meals, and related expenses. Ihere will also be long term employment opportunities associated with management and maintenance of the wind farm once it begins operations. Community Vibrancy Funds According to the South Huron website, "lhe Muni( iprlity of .South Huron supports many initiatives tO help address environmentd concerns within our community... Wrstking. 5 d tram with area residents, Orga- nizations, schools, businesses and industries is a key component to the success of sustainable environmental programs.'' Intelligent energy for a greener planet http: //grandbend.northlandpower.ca by Gord Potts Northland Power is also a strong supporter of sustainable communities. We are committed to working in collaboration with the Municipalities of South Huron and Bluewater, and the surrounding area, to provide tangible benefits to the community, to foster a positive relationship with municipal governments and residents, and to ensure that the region remains healthy, vibrant and prosperous. To that same end, in 2011 a pilot project was initiated in Haldimand County by five developers engaged in projects within the area, including NextERA, Pattern Energy, Capital Power Corporation, Niagara Region Wind Corporation and Samsung. To ensure that the entire community could share in the benefits of local wind farms, a "Community Vibrancy Fund" was established. The agreement resulted in a comrnitment from developers to invest over $4oM over two decades in initiatives that would directly benefit Haldimand residents. Funds are to be earmarked for Council -approved community projects and other community needs, including projects relating to energy sustainability, land stewardship, tree planting, recreation facilities, roads and infrastructure, job train- ing, education, and community activities. The companies have also agreed to hire local suppliers of labor and materials, to the extent that they are available'. It is important to note that this landmark venture supplements the direct landowner tax, property tax and corporate tax benefits that developers are required to pay. Vibrancy Funds are a posi- tive example of renewable energy developers and municipalities working together to ensure healthy, sustainable communities over the long-term. A recent report found that every i,000 MW of new wind energy drives $2.5 billion in investments, creates 10,500 person-years of employment, and provides enough clean power for over 300,000 homes 4. Working together, we can make certain that such benefits are shared across the community. Here at Northland Power, we are cornmitted to being good neighbours, and doing our part to build sustainable communities; we welcome your ideas on how we can best contribute. As always, please share your feedback and comments — write us at grandbendenorthlandpower.ca. s http:/%www.rrerteraenergyranada.coni/jiff/koshen/Nextfra_goshen,F1NALweh. JanaoI J. pif http://manic ipal. southhuron.c.Verwironnienta!-information► .1 http://www.latrshore.►dvance.cnm/aor)/oy/ts/wind-companies-explain-commu- nityvihrark y 4 http:/Ai'ww.rsewswire.ca/en/stay/s t4+8os/lvirxl-eneQi t.goad deal forontario report -firkin wind ener.y-has-cklivered-maJorckan-ersergyhenselits-at-vicerysmall- (os r -to CoIN,niert Northland Power Is an Ontario -based company with over as years experience developing, NORTHLAND owning and operating facilities that produce and sell clean and green energy POWER