A 9.2MW municipal wind project in Nova Scotia has started operating and its backers propose to expand the site next year.
“The plan is to build three additional turbines,” Minas Energy project coordinator Kris MacLellan told reNEWS.
The Ellershouse wind farm employs four Enercon E-92 2.3MW turbines (pictured) with cement towers from the German manufacturer’s Quebec plant. The project is putting power on the grid and is on schedule to meet a year-end commercial operation date.
The expansion is fully permitted for another three units. The proponent is working on financing and partnership agreements with plans to build in summer 2016.
Minas is handling development and construction for the towns of Berwick, Antigonish and Mahone Bay, which created the Atlantic province’s first independent energy utility, Alternative Resource Energy Authority. AREA owns and will operate the Ellershouse scheme, located in West Hants.
“It’s a one-of-a-kind project in Nova Scotia,” said MacLellan. The municipalities will use the power produced by Ellershouse and Canadian green energy retailer Bullfrog Power will buy the renewable energy credits.
The Municipal Finance Corporation provided construction funds.
Image: Enercon E-92 turbine (Enercon)
