Wind energy development

First : Choosing a location

The most important step in wind energy development is selecting a place that is windy enough. The ideal location will have winds averaging at least 5.5 m/s (20 km/hour). The wind should be steady and not prone to bursts or turbulence. That means that large open areas are preferred. To start considering a site, climate history needs to be analysed. The map below shows average annual wind speeds across Canada, one of only several factors to be considered for feasible wind energy development. You will see that there are vast areas of Canada that are untapped for wind power.

Second : Securing a site

The next step is to work with local landowners and/or government officials to negotiate land use agreements and secure appropriate environmental approvals.

Third : Meteorological assessment

To evaluate the wind conditions specific to the site, it is necessary to conduct a meteorological assessment for a minimum period of one year. To do this, a temporary tower, often referred to as a 'met' tower, is erected. It will support hardware designed to collect meteorological data as high as possible above the ground. This hardware includes wind vanes to measure wind direction, anemometers to measure wind speed, and a thermometer.

The image to the left shows the installation of the meteorological assessment tower (met tower) for Anemos Energy near St. John's, NL.

Fourth : Construction

Assuming the meteorological assessment provides a positive result and land and regulatory permissions are in place, construction can begin. Typically a wind turbine development of a size that Anemos Energy will develop would take 4 to 8 months to construct, from the time of site preparation to final commissioning of the wind turbines.