OVERVIEW
Wind power projects convert the energy in the movement of the wind to electricity. The feasibility of a wind energy project is extremely dependent on the wind speeds at the proposed project location and on the overall project development costs.
The major components of a wind energy system include:
-
Rotor and blades: Convert wind energy into mechanical energy in the rotor shaft
-
Gear box: Matches the rotor shaft speed to the generator
-
Tower: Supports the rotor above the ground, elevates the rotor and blades to capture higher wind speeds
-
Foundation: Supports the tower
-
Control system: Starts and stops the wind turbine
​
In addition to the components outlined above, road access and grid connection needs to be established to the site / project. The infrastructure required to construct, transport, and service the turbines requires road access, which can be challenging given the size of these components. Grid connections, in some cases, may require a transmission / power line to be built over a long distance, resulting in significant capital costs as well as the need for significant environmental approvals.
​
Shown below, depicts the major components of a wind turbine.
FEASIBILITY & OPERATIONAL NECESSITIES
Site Requirements
The amount of energy generated by a wind turbine depends on:
​
-
Air density (mass per unit volume)
-
Air speed
-
Area of the rotor
-
Area of the blades
Ground conditions for the siting of wind turbines also need to be considered such as soil stability, site drainage and hydrological effects, such as water supply and quality and watercourse crossings. In addition to the components outlined above, road access and grid connection need to be established to the site / project. The infrastructure required to construct, transport, and service the turbines require road access, which can be challenging given the size of these components. Grid connections, in some cases, may require a transmission / power line to be built over a long distance, resulting in significant capital costs.
Planning requirements
To help determine the suitability of the site for wind energy system, an estimate of the site’s average annual wind speed needs to be determined. The wind resource can vary significantly over an area of just 1 square mile because of local terrain, local structures, and vegetation influences on the wind speed and flow. The siting also needs to consider zoning, permitting, and covenant requirements.
Environmental Concerns
Wind turbines cause noise pollution as they rotate and visual problems to some people. During the turbine’s life cycle, there are instances where there are greenhouse gas emissions and the release of waste that slightly contributes to pollution and climate change. The instances in the life cycle include manufacturing, material composition, transportation, installing, maintenance, and decommissioning. Installation of wind turbines calls for vegetation and forest clearing that can result in soil erosion, change of micro-climate, loss of animal habitat, and uncompetitive use of land. Additionally, wind turbines pose a risk to flying animals like bats and birds due to collision with the rotating components of the turbines.
WINDO POWER OPPORTUNITY ASSESSMENT
The development of a wind energy project typically includes extensive studies on wind resources at the site, the acquisition of permits, design and specification of equipment, equipment purchase, construction and commissioning.
An opportunities assessment was completed to determine if viable wind development opportunities exist within the Rural Upper Skeena. To identify such opportunities, BC Hydro’s 2013 Resource Options Report (ROR) and the Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations’ database for wind tenures was referenced. Figure 6-7 below shows the wind energy potential in the Rural Upper Skeena region.
Solar PV systems capture energy from the sun and convert it into electricity for use in homes and buildings. Grid-tied systems (as shown in the diagram below) have the ability to send excess power produced by solar installations to the BC Hydro grid. Off-grid systems require energy storage solutions, such as batteries, to capture excess solar power produced by the panels.