Lakeshore Advance, 2013-05-29, Page 2020 Lakeshore Advance • Wednesday, May 29, 2013
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Gord Potts
Director Business Development
and Project Manager
Grand Bend Wind Farm for
Northland Power Inc.
As the use of wind
power increases, it
is important to
understand how the
technology works,
and its impact on
our environment,
energy system and
economy.
-` _- -- unity News
http: //grandbend. northlandpower. ca
Second Wind -
Community News in Review
It was almost one year ago that Northland Power started this
bi-weekly column, with the aim of providing helpful, factual
information about wind energy and the progress of the Grand
Bend Wind Farm. Over the past several months, I've touched upon
a number of topics. Most recently, I wrote about domestic content
requirements for renewable energy projects in Ontario.
Since then, the World Trade Organization (WTO) announced on May
6th, 2013, that Canada lost its appeal in the renewable energy case,
which had been brought forward by Japan and the EU. I wanted
to let you know that this ruling will not impact the domestic
requirements for any of the renewable energy projects Northland
currently has in advanced development and construction, including
the Grand Bend Wind Farm. We remain committed to sourcing the
majority of materials from within the province.
There have been a number of other developments with wind
power over the past year, as it continues to see significant growth
both here at home and internationally. For example, at the end of
2012, there were 225,000 wind turbines spinning in 7o countries
worldwide, an increase of more than 25,000 from 2011. As the
use of wind power increases, it is important to understand how
the technology works, and its impact on our environment,
energy system and economy.
To that end, here is a brief look back at the columns we have
published to date — all can be found on the project website:
• Wind Sounds: How does the sound compare to other daily noises?
• Wind and Wildlife: How do you minimize and/or mitigate any
negative impacts to area wildlife?
• The True Cost of Renewable Energy: Are renewable energy
sources more expensive?
• Where the Wind Blows — Determining Turbine Locations:
How are a wind farm's turbine locations selected?
• Proponent Responsibilities: Who ensures a wind farm is built to
meet the highest safety and environmental standards?
• Powering Sustainable Communities: What benefits can a wind
farm offer my community?
Intelligent energy for a greener planet
by Gord Potts
• Renewable Energy Approvals Process, Status of Renewable
Energy Approval Application (REA): What requirements must
be met in order for a wind project to receive its REA?
• Wind Energy and the Environment: What kind of
environmental footprint does a wind farm create?
•The Evolution of Wind Power: How has technology improved
the modern wind turbine?
• Public Consultation: What is the public consultation process for
a wind farm, and how do I get involved?
• Wind Power — An Important Part of Ontario's Long -Term
Energy Plan: What changes are underway for our electricity
system, and what is wind power's role in the plan?
• Agricultural Land Use and Wind Turbines: Are wind farms
compatible with agricultural and other rural land uses?
• A Primer on Ontario's Electrical Grid: How does the Ontario
electricity system work, and how does wind energy fit in?
• Introducing Windfacts.ca: Did you know there is a website
dedicated to answering your questions about wind energy?
• Working Together Towards a More Sustainable Future:
Announcement of Northland Power's 5o/5o partnership on the
Grand Bend Wind Project with the Aamjiwnaang and Bkejwanong
First Nations.
• Wind Energy — Protecting bats in the short and long term:
How can we ensure that wind farms do not negatively impact Bat
Maternity Colonies?
• Wind Farms and Domestic Content Requirements:
How will renewable energy development equate to jobs in my
community and province?
If there are any topics you would like to see addressed
in future columns, please feel free to write us at
grandbendonorthlandpower.ca. I welcome your
questions, comments, and feedback on the project.
http://www.globalwindday.org/fags/
Northland Power is an Ontario -based company with over 25 years experience developing,
l
NORTHLAND
owning and operating facilities that produce and sell clean and green energy POWER