Shear Wind Fact Sheet
Shear Wind is a Nova Scotia based wind energy company, formed to meet the growing demand for an abundant and clean source of energy. Our main shareholder is Inveravante, a privately held Spanish-utility conglomerate, which has alliances and projects for renewable energy in Spain, Brazil, Peru, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Costa Rica.
The Glen Dhu Wind Farm has a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Nova Scotia Power to produce 60 Megawatts of power for Nova Scotians. This is enough power for 18,000 homes.
The wind farm will include 30 turbines, each producing 2 Megawatts of power. It is expected to be commercially operational by December 2010.
Shear Wind's investment in this location is a result of two years of study, due diligence followed to meet the province's environmental approval guidelines and testing. The project has received support from community land owners and community investors thus far. The Glen Dhu Wind Farm received environmental approval in February 2009.
Shear Wind Inc. has further land holdings in Alberta, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan.
Economic Benefits
This is a $162 million investment in Nova Scotia. We anticipate investing over $125 million in infrastructure (wind turbines) and over $48 million in contractors for the balance of the plant work during the construction phase. These contractors will be sourced as close to the local market as possible.
We anticipate that the community will benefit economically from between 75 - 100 jobs during the construction phase. We are committed to using local workers, contractors and suppliers wherever possible, including during the phases of road construction, operation, and maintenance. Over the long-term, we anticipate full-time and part-time jobs for 17 - 25 workers in turbine maintenance. This consists of maintenance jobs and sub-contracted services.
Much of the land used for the project is locally-owned woodlot. The wind farm will enable this land to provide additional income to land owners. Approximately $430,000 per year in royalties will be paid to local landowners. This means over $8.6 million over the 20-year duration of the agreement will be injected into the local economy.
The wind farm will contribute approximately $360,000 per year in property tax to the counties of Pictou and Antigonish and over $7.2 million during the 20-year agreement.
Community
Shear Wind is pleased to be a part of the local community. Without community support, we would not be at this stage today. Through the Community Liaison Committee, chaired by a member of the community, with participation from community members and company leadership, the community is directly involved in the project and kept updated about its development.
Shear Wind is exploring options to support a green initiative with the local Regional Development Authorities (RDAs) in Pictou and Antigonish.
When completed, the local community will have a premiere wind park of which to be proud.
Safety and the Environment
In recent years, wind turbine manufacturers have worked diligently to improve the technology of wind turbines. The turbines that will be used are considered world-class equipment, and are currently in use around the world. These are one of the most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly turbines in the world.
Location and Impact of Wind Turbines
Shear Wind has exceeded the local bylaws on the locations of the turbines, ensuring they are located at approved and appropriate distances from all residences. Noise studies have shown that the sound from the turbines will be well below regulated levels.
We are working closely with such organizations as the Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada and the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources to ensure that our wind farm design and layout does not adversely impact the quality of life and the people or the animals in the area. We have in particular conducted studies on the local mainland moose population, on fishers, on bird migratory patterns, and other species. Monitoring will be ongoing during and post construction.
Shear Wind is also setting up monitoring of surface water during the road construction/blasting phase.
Property Values
Shear Wind has reviewed existing studies to determine any likely effects on property values, and the research shows that in past projects wind farms have not negatively impacted property values.
Shear Wind is committed to monitoring the project continuously and to modifying our mitigation plans if required. It is in our interest to ensure the project's success for the benefit of the community.
Questions? Comments?
We welcome you to contact us for more information, send through your comments and find out more about the project:
Phone: 485-9286
E-mail: glendhu@shearwind.com
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