Q & A

As the Glen Dhu wind farm moves closer to reality, we're asked questions about wind energy, generally, and the project, specifically. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers.

1. How does a wind turbine make electricity?

The simplest way to think about this is to imagine that a wind turbine works in exactly the opposite way to a fan. Instead of using electricity to make wind, like a fan, turbines use the wind to make electricity. Almost all wind turbines producing electricity consist of rotor blades that rotate around a horizontal hub. The hub is connected to a gearbox and generator, which are located inside the nacelle. The nacelle is the large part at the top of the tower where all the electrical components are located. Most wind turbines have three blades that face into the wind; the wind turns the blades round, this spins the shaft, which connects to a generator and this is where the electricity is made. The electricity is then transferred directly to the power line. A generator is a machine that produces electrical energy from mechanical energy, as opposed to an electric motor which does the opposite.

2. Has the project received required regulatory approvals?

On February 5th, 2009, the Nova Scotia Environment Minister approved the environmental assessment for the Glen Dhu Wind Farm. We have received all the permits that we require to date for this project.

3. What is the impact of the project on the environment and human health?

We were required to conduct an environmental assessment under the Nova Scotia Environment Act and Environmental Assessment Regulations. As part of that assessment, several field surveys have been conducted, including a toxicology study to assess potential human health effects. The survey results suggest that the sound from the turbines will be well below regulated levels. Shear Wind is 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 species of concern. We have in particular conducted studies on the flora, local mainland moose population, on fishers and on bird migratory patterns to name a few of the more significant studies.

4. How will this wind farm be of benefit to the province?

Wind energy benefits the economy by reducing "hidden costs" resulting from air pollution and health care. The wind farm will also help the province meet its environmental targets. Nova Scotia's energy strategy and the Nova Scotia Renewable Energy Consultation - Final Report to Government and Stakeholders (click here), recognize wind energy as a part of government's goal to reduce Green House Gases. Shear Wind is proud to be a significant contributor to Nova Scotia's wind energy plan.

5. What can you tell us about your plans for Nova Scotia?

Shear Wind has two wind turbines currently operating in Nova Scotia. The Glen Dhu Wind Farm which proposes turbines for to be located in both Pictou and Antigonish Counties, Nova Scotia is Shear Wind's first wind farm. We have signed 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. We would like to see Shear Wind continue to grow and develop in Nova Scotia.

6. Will this wind farm be of benefit to the local community?

The Shear Wind project can revitalize the economy of the local areas, by providing steady income through lease or royalty payments to farmers and other landowners. Approximately $430,000 per year in royalties will be paid to local landowners, or $8.6 million over the 20 year duration of the agreement will be directly injected into the local economy in addition to employment benefits. Wind farms also expand the local tax base, and keep energy dollars in the local community instead of spending them to pay for coal or gas produced elsewhere.

7. How many jobs will be created locally?

We anticipate that the community will benefit economically from providing between 75-100 jobs during the construction phase. We are committed to using local workers, contractors and suppliers wherever possible, including during road construction, operation, and maintenance. We will also be working with local residents to provide training for positions. 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.

8. Will local people be trained to work on the turbines?

Shear Wind will ensure that the local workers receive all the training necessary to perform the job.

9. What effect will the wind farm have on noise in the area?

In recent years, wind turbine manufacturers have worked diligently to decrease the noise emitted from turbines. Shear Wind has taken steps to ensure that noise levels are below or at minimal acceptable levels, as approved by the Nova Scotia Environment and the company 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.

10. What effect will the wind farm have on property values?

The overwhelming number of studies, including a 2008 New Brunswick study and a 2009 Berkely National Laboratory study show that wind farms have a neutral effect on property values. Click here to review some of the studies.

11. What about the safety of this wind farm to birds and bats?

The Department of Natural Resources has provided an opinion, as part of the Environmental Assessment process, that this development will not significantly affect wildlife habitat, including the migratory patterns of birds. Shear Wind will work with the community liaison committee, Department of Natural Resources, and other interested parties to monitor any potential impact on wildlife.

12. Is there a chance that this project could be delayed due to the recent economic downturn here and across Canada?

The Glen Dhu project has experienced some delays because of the collapse in the world credit markets in 2008. However, the company has received a significant investment which gives SWI the ability to execute on its goals to develop wind projects. This investment and relationship provides Shear Wind with greater expertise in the energy sector, connections to strong and diverse financial markets, and a network of construction and materials providers. We expect the project will start producing electricity by the end of 2010.

13. Will this wind farm decrease the average person's power bill?

The Glen Dhu wind farm will be selling its power to Nova Scotia Power for distribution. Based on the increasing cost of oil and other sources of energy used to generate electricity, we anticipate that wind generated electricity will play a role in stabilizing costs and saving customers from escalating costs.

14. As a landowner on the mountain, how will your project affect my use of the land?

The project will have no adverse effects on the use of your land and Shear Wind has no rights to any other use of the land. The landowner continues to own and control his/her property. One can continue to engage in the same activities on your land as you did before or want to do in the future.

15. How do the turbines work in an ice storm??

The wind turbines are equipped with sophisticated monitoring and control systems, and in the case of icing, the main control of the turbine will take the appropriate measures to shut down the turbine and only re-start when the icing condition passes.

16. How does Shear Wind feel about the value of its stock prices?

Shear Wind is one of Canada's fastest growing Canadian-based renewable energy exploration and development companies. In June 2008, Shear Wind was the only Atlantic Canada company to be listed on the TSX Venture Exchange as one of the top emerging public companies in the Cleantech sector. We are continuing to work hard on our projects with the respective communities to ensure that the company continues to grow and develop.

17. What funding have you received from the Federal or Provincial governments?

The Glen Dhu wind farm project is a privately funded project. Since 2007, we have been working with the relevant government departments as the project moved through its approval stages. We are currently awaiting approval for our Eco-Energy funding.

18. Has the public been involved or consulted about this project?

Consulting the community is an important part of the project. Shear Wind seeks input and guidance from a Community Liaison Committee. Since the early days of the environmental assessment process, we have implemented a public consultation program to inform area residents and relevant stakeholders. We have held some community meetings with the public in both Pictou and Antigonish counties, and a couple hundred people have participated in these open houses. We've received several letters expressing support for the project. We have also heard some concerns and we will work closely with the Community Liaison Group to ensure that we are responsive to the needs of the community on the project.

19. How are your community relations plans?

Currently we are in talks with the Regional Development Authorities of both Pictou and Antigonish counties as well as other groups to identify the areas where Shear Wind can make a significant contribution to the communities.

20. How does the public feel about wind energy projects, or this project?

A 2010 survey conducted by Corporate Research Associates suggests that about 9 out of 10 residents of both Pictou and Antigonish County say they would "mostly or completely" support wind energy farm, as long as all health and government regulations are met, and that the wind farm would be built at least one kilometer from their household. Glen Dhu has met and in many cases exceeded these regulations. Moreover, less than five percent of residents are opposed to a wind energy farm in Pictou and Antigonish Counties.
Results are based on a telephone survey conducted by Corporate among Pictou and Antigonish County residents aged 18 and over. A sample of 321 interviews provides results accurate to within +5.5 percentage points, 95 out of 100 times.