Wind power is a renewable energy source with the potential to be a commercially viable source of energy in Ontario. Municipalities across the province are exploring the economic development opportunities of wind energy. One way of preparing for wind energy is by building community support and developing clear land use policies. Within this framework, wind energy can represent an opportunity for economic, social and environmental benefits in many of Ontario's communities.
Electricity from wind represents a multi-million dollar industry internationally. While there is a similar potential in North America, less than 1/10 of 1 per cent of Canada's energy is currently generated from wind, even though Ontario and other provinces have an abundant wind resource. The opening of the electricity market has created a new opportunity for this dynamic and growing industry.
<< Wind turbine under construction near Kincardine in Bruce County,
Ontario
Source: Ontario Power Generation
This 1.8 MW turbine is part of Huron Wind Farm, the province’s first commercial-scale wind farm.
Wind turbines produce electricity from generators in much the same manner as other types of electricity generation plants in Ontario. Electricity is produced when wind propels the blades of wind turbines. A shaft rotates a dense coil of insulated wire between the poles of a powerful magnet in the generator, which creates an electrical current. A wind speed of 15 kilometers per hour is the minimum required for effective electrical generation. The more constant the wind, the better the generation potential.
Wind energy is the fastest growing electricity source in the world. This is due in part to improvements in the technology, achieving a cost reduction of more than 50 per cent over the last decade.
The energy output of a wind turbine can vary dramatically depending on the size and height of the turbine, wind speed, temperature, barometric pressure and altitude. Depending on these factors, a modern wind turbine (1 - 2 megawatts) generates enough energy for 250 - 600 homes.
<< 750 kW wind turbine at Exhibition Place, Toronto, Ontario
Source: Rick Chard
This Toronto waterfront wind turbine is the first in a community-owned initiative known as Windshare, a project of the Toronto Renewable Energy Co-op (TREC) in partnership with Toronto Hydro Energy Services.
Virtually all regions of Canada have areas with good wind resources. Production from wind increases with the cube of the wind speed, so doubling the wind speed increases electricity generation by a factor of eight. It is therefore important to find the best winds. Oceans and large lakes, wide open prairies and hill or mountain areas that act as a funnel often have good winds. High pressure, cold air has the most wind energy. For example:
PINCHER CREEK
Of the many wind turbines in operation, the City of Calgary uses the
electricity produced by only 12 wind turbines to generate enough energy to power
their public C-train system
TIVERTON
The first wind turbine in Ontario (1994); built to test winter
temperatures
CO-OPERATIVE ENERGY
In Ferndale and Toronto, wind energy is supported by the sale of member
shares
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
With a 300-degree wind exposure, this site has become an international
testing site for wind turbines
There are a number of areas in Ontario that have good wind resources. Many of these areas are on the leeward side of the Great Lakes. There are few Ontario municipalities, however, with leading-edge experience in wind energy production. Nonetheless, as of February 2003, Ontario already had 14.6 megawatts (MW) of commercial-scale wind capacity installed.
Learn more about how Ontario municipalities capitalized on their wind resources:
Bruce County
Planning Department
(519) 881-1782
bcplwa@brucecounty.on.ca
Huron County
Planning and Development Department
(519) 524-2188
huron_administration@huroncounty.ca
For more wind facts contact the Canadian Wind Energy Association toll free at 1-800-922-6932 or visit their Web site at: www.canwea.ca.
<< Port Albert, Huron County, Ontario
Source: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
The 660 kW wind turbine located in Port Albert is the province’s first privately owned, commercial-scale wind turbine.
<< Wind farm in Pincher Creek, Alberta
Source: Vision Quest Windelectric Inc.
Municipalities can play a key role in encouraging wind energy development by building community support through early consultation. As well, municipalities can stimulate wind energy development applications by establishing a clear planning framework for this emerging land use.
The Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy (CIELAP), with support from the Toronto Atmospheric Fund, is producing A Municipal Guide to Wind Development. For more information contact CIELAP directly at (416) 923-3529 or visit their Web site at www.cielap.org.
In order to help municipalities achieve environmental and economic benefits, the provincial government is supporting brownfields cleanup and redevelopment. The Brownfields Statute Law Amendment Act, 2001 offers a framework for the renewal and revitalization of properties that are underused, abandoned or require environmental remediation before redevelopment. For more information visit the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing's Web site at www.mah.gov.on.ca
For more information contact:
MINISTRY OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING
Provincial Planning and Environmental Services Branch
(416) 585-6014
www.mah.gov.on.ca
MINISTRY OF ENERGY
Energy Efficiency and Renewables Section
Energy Division
(416) 325-6593
Above information produced by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing,
Provincial Planning and Environmental Services Branch and the Ministry of Energy, Energy Division