FAQs
1. What is the benefit of wind energy?
Wind is a renewable energy source that has low environmental impact and does not emit greenhouse gases. It is also predictably priced and will eventually help us meet targets to have 10 per cent of electricity used by New Brunswickers come from renewable sources.
2. What are the five highest wind areas in New Brunswick ?
In studies conducted by the Université de Moncton, Environment Canada, and independent wind developers, data indicates that the five areas of highest wind in New Brunswick are the Bay of Fundy, Tantramar, Miramichi Bay, Acadie/Chaleur, and inland New Brunswick. Click here to view a wind map of New Brunswick.
3. What is the impact of wind generators on the environment?
Wind is a renewable energy source that has low environmental impact and does not emit greenhouse gases.
Over the past two decades, New Brunswickers have become increasingly aware of their relationship with the environment and the role we can all play in preserving its integrity. Residents in all areas of the Province have sought a greater role in government decisions that may affect the environment and their quality of life.
Experience in New Brunswick and across North America has repeatedly shown that a preventative approach to environmental protection is more efficient than finding a cure after the fact. Ensuring that environmental concerns are addressed at the earliest possible stage of development planning is widely recognized as the best way to proceed.
New Brunswick 's Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation (Regulation 87-83) came into effect on July 13, 1987 - to provide a legislative framework for this type of proactive environmental planning, including opportunities for public involvement. Regulation 87-83 is designed to identify the environmental impacts associated with development proposals well in advance of their implementation, so that such impacts can be avoided or reduced to acceptable levels before they occur.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) gives technical specialists from government agencies, as well as local residents and the general public, a chance to provide their input to the decision-making process regarding specific development proposals. The EIA review process must be completed before any project subject to EIA can proceed. Although the EIA Regulation grants the Lieutenant-Governor in Council the authority to prevent projects from proceeding, Regulation 87-83 is not intended to be a mechanism for stopping developments for which the anticipated impacts can be avoided or reduced to acceptable levels through mitigation.
Under the Regulation, individuals, companies or public sector agencies that propose certain types of projects (listed as Undertakings in Schedule "A" of Regulation 87-83 ) are required to register information about the proposal with the Department of the Environment and Local Government, at an early stage in the planning schedule.
4. How much wind generation capacity does NB Power have?
As of October 2010, NB Power had entered into five power purchase agreements for a total of 294 MW of wind-powered generation.
5. How much wind energy will NB Power purchase per year?
Wind farm announcements have been made for the following:
- Caribou Mountain – two facilities, the first consists of 16 wind turbines which has an output of 157,800 megawatt hours per year, enough power to meet the electricity demands of approximately 9,000 homes. The second consists of 17 wind turbines, with an output of 172,700 megawatt hours per year, which is enough power to meet the electricity demands of approximately 10,000 homes
- Lamèque – 154,000 megawatt hours per year, enough power to meet the electricity demands of approximately 8,900 homes
- Kent Hills – 274,000 megawatt hours per year, enough power to meet the electricity demands of approximately 15,800 homes
- Kent Hills Expansion - the 54 MW expansion means that an additional 18 turbines will be constructed. The addition will provide an additional 160,000 MW hours of electricity per year, or enough to power approximately 9,000 homes
6. How reliable is wind energy?
Wind energy production is variable and contingent on nature. It depends on wind fluctuations and the resulting wind energy being produced. Because it cannot be available for dispatch on demand, we require other generation facilities to increase or decrease production quickly to meet New Brunswick 's electricity demands.
7. How can I find out more about wind energy?
Go to the Canadian Wind Energy Association website at www.canwea.ca
