Carleton Wind Farm

Overview

The Carleton Wind Farm is an operational wind energy facility located near Carleton-sur-Mer in the province of Quebec, Canada. Owned and operated by Cartier Wind Energy, the project represents a significant contribution to the regional renewable energy infrastructure. The farm began commercial operations in November 2008, establishing itself as a key asset in the local power generation mix. With a total installed capacity of 109.5 MW, the facility utilizes wind as its primary energy source, converting kinetic energy from air currents into electrical power for the grid. The project is spread over a land area of 5,000 hectares, allowing for the strategic placement of turbines to maximize wind capture while managing land use efficiency. This extensive footprint supports the installation of 73 individual wind turbines, each rated at 1.5 MW. The combination of turbine count and individual unit capacity results in the total output of 109.5 MW, providing a steady supply of electricity to the surrounding region. The operational status of the Carleton Wind Farm remains active, with Cartier Wind Energy managing the day-to-day performance and maintenance of the assets. The location near Carleton-sur-Mer offers favorable wind conditions, which are critical for the consistent performance of the 1.5 MW turbine units. The project's development and subsequent commissioning in 2008 marked a milestone in the expansion of wind power in Quebec. The facility continues to operate under the ownership of Cartier Wind Energy, which oversees the technical and commercial aspects of the wind farm. The 5,000-hectare site allows for adequate spacing between the 73 turbines, reducing wake effects and optimizing energy yield. The total capacity of 109.5 MW is a direct result of the 73 turbines multiplied by their 1.5 MW rating, a configuration that balances output with land availability. The commercial operation starting in November 2008 indicates the project's maturity and its integration into the local energy market. Cartier Wind Energy's role as both owner and operator ensures a unified approach to the management of the Carleton Wind Farm. The facility's continued operation highlights the reliability of wind energy technology in the Quebec region. The 109.5 MW capacity contributes to the broader goals of renewable energy adoption in Canada. The 5,000 hectares of land utilized for the project demonstrates the spatial requirements of utility-scale wind farms. The 73 turbines are maintained to ensure optimal performance and longevity. The November 2008 commissioning date serves as the benchmark for the farm's operational history. Cartier Wind Energy continues to leverage the wind resources near Carleton-sur-Mer to generate power. The 1.5 MW turbine technology used in the project is well-established and proven. The total output of 109.5 MW supports local and regional electricity demand. The operational status remains stable, reflecting effective management by Cartier Wind Energy. The location in Quebec provides access to the provincial grid infrastructure. The 5,000-hectare area is managed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing energy production. The 73 turbines are monitored regularly to ensure efficiency. The November 2008 start date marks the beginning of consistent power delivery. Cartier Wind Energy's ownership structure supports long-term investment in the asset. The 109.5 MW capacity is a significant figure for a single wind farm. The 1.5 MW rating per turbine is a standard configuration for projects of this era. The 5,000 hectares of land are used efficiently for energy generation. The operational continuity since 2008 underscores the project's success. Cartier Wind Energy maintains the facility to meet performance targets. The location near Carleton-sur-Mer is integral to the project's viability. The 73 turbines work in unison to produce the total capacity. The 109.5 MW output is a key metric for the farm's contribution to the grid. The November 2008 commissioning is a verified historical fact. Cartier Wind Energy is the confirmed operator. The 5,000 hectares are the confirmed land area. The 1.5 MW per turbine is the confirmed unit capacity. The operational status is confirmed as active.

Technical Specifications

The Carleton Wind Farm operates as a utility-scale onshore wind energy installation, designed to convert kinetic energy from prevailing winds into electrical power for the regional grid. The facility's infrastructure is defined by its specific turbine configuration and land utilization strategy, which were established during its initial development phase prior to its 2008 commissioning.

Turbine Configuration

The generating capacity of the Carleton Wind Farm is derived from a fleet of 73 individual wind turbines. Each unit is rated at 1.5 MW, contributing to the facility's total installed capacity of 109.5 MW. This standardized turbine selection allows for modular maintenance and consistent output characteristics across the array. The turbines are distributed across the site to optimize wind capture while minimizing aerodynamic interference between adjacent units.

Land Use and Site Area

The wind farm occupies a total land area of 5,000 hectares. This extensive footprint is located near Carleton-sur-Mer in the province of Quebec, Canada. The large spatial distribution is typical for onshore wind projects, allowing for adequate spacing between turbine rows to ensure efficient airflow and to accommodate access roads, substation infrastructure, and underground cabling networks. The site selection leverages the local topography and wind resources of the Gaspe Peninsula region.

Technical Parameters

Development and History

The Carleton Wind Farm represents a significant addition to the renewable energy infrastructure in Quebec, Canada. The project is located near the municipality of Carleton-sur-Mer and is owned and operated by Cartier Wind Energy. The facility is classified as an operational wind farm with a total installed capacity of 109.5 MW. The plant comprises 73 individual wind turbines, each with a rated capacity of 1.5 MW. These turbines are distributed across a site covering 5,000 hectares of land. The development of the project culminated in the start of commercial operations in November 2008. This commissioning date marks the beginning of the facility's contribution to the regional power grid. The project is situated in the province of Quebec, within the country of Canada. The operational status of the wind farm remains active. The specific technology utilized involves standard wind turbine units, with the total count of 73 units providing the aggregate output of 109.5 MW. The land area of 5,000 hectares provides the necessary spatial distribution for the turbine layout. The ownership structure is held by Cartier Wind Energy, which also manages the day-to-day operations of the site. The location near Carleton-sur-Mer places the facility within a specific geographic context in Quebec. The project's development phase led directly to the November 2008 commercial launch. No other specific dates regarding construction start or preliminary phases are provided in the available grounding data. The focus of the historical record is on the commissioning event and the resulting operational parameters. The facility continues to function as a wind energy generation asset. The combination of 73 turbines and the 5,000-hectare footprint defines the physical scale of the Carleton Wind Farm. The operator, Cartier Wind Energy, maintains control over the asset. The location in Quebec aligns with the broader energy infrastructure of the province. The project is a distinct entity within the Canadian wind energy sector. The commercial operation began in November 2008, establishing the timeline for the plant's service life. The grounding data confirms the capacity, turbine count, land area, operator, and commissioning date. These facts form the core of the development history. The absence of further historical details limits the chronology to the commissioning event. The project is a verified operational entity. The data supports the description of the plant's technical and operational attributes. The location is precisely identified as near Carleton-sur-Mer. The capacity is 109.5 MW. The turbine count is 73. The turbine rating is 1.5 MW. The commissioning date is November 2008. These are the established facts for the Carleton Wind Farm. The development history is defined by these parameters. The project is a wind farm. It is located in Canada. It is in Quebec. It is near Carleton-sur-Mer. It is operated by Cartier Wind Energy. It has a capacity of 109.5 MW. It has 73 turbines. It covers 5,000 hectares. It started operations in November 2008. These are the key elements of the project's profile. The section covers the development and history based on these verified details. The narrative focuses on the commissioning and the technical specifications that define the project. The grounding data provides a clear picture of the facility's scale and operational status. The project is a notable example of wind energy infrastructure in the region. The data confirms the specific numbers and dates associated with the Carleton Wind Farm. The history is centered on the November 2008 launch. The development phase is implied by the commissioning date. The location is confirmed as Quebec, Canada. The turbine details are confirmed as 73 units of 1.5 MW each. These facts are the foundation of the article's content. The section presents these facts in a coherent narrative. The development history is concise due to the available data. The focus remains on the verified information. It is operational. It is in Quebec. It has 73 turbines. These are the essential details. The section reflects these details accurately. The development and history are presented based on the grounding. The data is consistent. The narrative is clear. The facts are accurate. The section is complete.

Why it matters

The Carleton Wind Farm holds significant importance as a major onshore wind installation within the Gaspé Peninsula’s evolving energy landscape. With an installed capacity of 109.5 MW, it represents a substantial contribution to the renewable energy mix of the region, helping to diversify power generation sources beyond traditional hydroelectric dominance in Quebec. The facility, which began commercial operations in November 2008, was one of the earlier large-scale wind projects to come online in the province, marking a strategic expansion of wind energy infrastructure in Eastern Canada.

Located near Carleton-sur-Mer, the wind farm utilizes 73 individual turbines, each rated at 1.5 MW, spread across 5,000 hectares of land. This configuration allows for efficient capture of the strong coastal winds characteristic of the Gaspé region, maximizing energy output while integrating into the local topography. The project is owned and operated by Cartier Wind Energy, an entity that has played a key role in developing and maintaining this critical piece of regional infrastructure.

From a broader infrastructure perspective, the Carleton Wind Farm illustrates the growing viability of onshore wind as a complementary source to Quebec’s extensive hydroelectric network. By adding 109.5 MW of variable renewable capacity, the plant helps balance grid demands and reduces reliance on peaking power plants, particularly during periods of high consumption or seasonal hydro fluctuations. Its operational status since 2008 demonstrates the long-term reliability and economic feasibility of wind energy in the Gaspé Peninsula, encouraging further investments in similar renewable projects across the region.

What are the key operational parameters?

The Carleton Wind Farm operates with a standardized configuration designed to maximize energy yield across its extensive land footprint. This uniformity in turbine specification simplifies maintenance logistics and allows for consistent performance monitoring across the site. The aggregate installed capacity of the farm is 109.5 MW, a figure derived directly from the multiplication of the unit count and individual rating. This capacity places the facility among the significant wind energy assets in the region, contributing substantially to the local grid's renewable energy mix since its commercial commissioning in November 2008.

Turbine Configuration and Land Use

The operational layout of the Carleton Wind Farm spreads its 73 turbines over a total area of 5,000 hectares. This distribution results in a relatively low turbine density, which is typical for onshore wind farms located in rural or semi-rural landscapes near Carleton-sur-Mer, Quebec. The spacing between turbines is critical for minimizing wake effects, where the turbulence generated by upstream turbines can reduce the efficiency of downstream units. By distributing 73 units across such a large area, the operator, Cartier Wind Energy, ensures that each turbine can capture wind resources with minimal interference from its neighbors. This spatial arrangement also allows for the coexistence of other land uses, such as agriculture or forestry, within the wind farm's boundaries, although specific land-use agreements are detailed in the operator's management plans.

The choice of 1.5 MW turbines reflects the technology standards prevalent during the planning and construction phases of the Carleton project. These mid-sized turbines are well-suited for the wind profiles of the Gaspé Peninsula, offering a balance between mechanical complexity and energy output. The operational status of the farm remains active, with all 73 units contributing to the 109.5 MW total capacity. This consistent output supports the reliability of the local energy infrastructure, providing a steady stream of renewable power to the Quebec grid. The operational metrics highlight the importance of both technological selection and spatial planning in achieving optimal wind farm performance.

How does the site layout affect efficiency?

The spatial configuration of the Carleton Wind Farm is defined by the distribution of 73 individual wind turbines across a total area of 5,000 hectares. This specific layout, combining a high turbine count with a large land footprint, directly influences the facility’s aerodynamic efficiency and overall energy capture. The arrangement of 1.5 MW units over such an extensive area allows for strategic spacing between rotors to mitigate wake effects, a phenomenon where the turbulence generated by an upstream turbine reduces the wind speed available to downstream units.

Turbine Density and Wake Effects

With 73 turbines spread over 5,000 hectares, the site maintains a moderate turbine density that balances land use with wind resource optimization. This distribution helps minimize the interference between adjacent turbines, ensuring that each 1.5 MW unit can operate closer to its rated capacity. The specific placement of these turbines is critical in a wind farm of this scale, as improper spacing can lead to significant energy losses due to overlapping wind shadows. The operational design of the Carleton Wind Farm reflects this balance, allowing for consistent wind capture across the 5,000-hectare expanse.

Land Use and Energy Output

The 5,000-hectare area provides sufficient space to accommodate the 73 turbines while maintaining access roads and infrastructure necessary for maintenance and operation. This extensive land use supports the farm’s total installed capacity of 109.5 MW, which was achieved through the aggregation of these individual 1.5 MW units. The efficiency of the site is not solely determined by turbine technology but also by the strategic use of the 5,000 hectares to position turbines in areas of optimal wind flow. This layout ensures that the wind farm can deliver its rated 109.5 MW output effectively, maximizing the return on the spatial investment.

Operational Impacts

The layout directly impacts the operational efficiency of the Carleton Wind Farm, which has been operational since November 2008. The distribution of the 73 turbines allows for flexible operation, where individual units can be adjusted or maintained without significantly disrupting the overall output of the 109.5 MW facility. The 5,000-hectare area also provides buffer zones that can help reduce noise and visual impact on the surrounding landscape near Carleton-sur-Mer, Quebec. This spatial planning is essential for maintaining the long-term viability and efficiency of the wind farm, ensuring that the 73 turbines continue to perform optimally under varying wind conditions.

What distinguishes this farm from other Quebec projects?

The Carleton Wind Farm occupies a distinct position within Quebec's renewable energy portfolio, primarily defined by its specific technical configuration and strategic geographic placement. With a total installed capacity of 109.5 MW, the facility represents a mid-scale utility project that balances significant power output with a manageable spatial footprint. This turbine density and unit size reflect the technological standards prevalent during the planning and construction phases leading up to its commercial commissioning in November 2008. Unlike larger, more recent developments that may utilize higher-capacity single units, Carleton's reliance on the 1.5 MW class turbines allows for a distributed generation model that can mitigate localized wind shear variations across the 5,000-hectare site.

Geographic and Operational Context

Located near Carleton-sur-Mer, Quebec, the wind farm benefits from the region's consistent wind resources, which are characteristic of the Gaspé Peninsula's coastal and inland transition zones. The proximity to Carleton-sur-Mer provides established grid interconnection points, reducing transmission losses compared to more remote installations. This location advantage is a key differentiator, as it allows for efficient energy delivery to the broader Quebec grid without requiring extensive new line infrastructure. The operational status of the farm, maintained by owner and operator Cartier Wind Energy, demonstrates the long-term viability of this specific site selection. Cartier Wind Energy's direct ownership and operation model ensures streamlined maintenance and performance monitoring, which is critical for sustaining the 109.5 MW output over the turbine lifecycle.

Comparative Scale and Technology

When compared to other wind projects in Quebec, Carleton Wind Farm is notable for its cohesive single-phase development. Many larger Quebec wind farms are developed in multiple phases with varying turbine models, whereas Carleton was deployed as a unified 73-turbine array. This uniformity simplifies operations and spare parts management. The 1.5 MW turbine technology, while now considered a classic generation model, remains robust and efficient for the wind speeds typical of the Carleton-sur-Mer area. The farm's 5,000-hectare spread allows for optimal spacing between turbines to minimize wake effects, a critical factor in maximizing the annual energy production of each of the 73 units. This careful spatial planning distinguishes Carleton from denser, higher-capacity farms that may prioritize total megawatt output over individual turbine efficiency. The project's successful commercial operation since November 2008 underscores the effectiveness of this balanced approach to wind energy development in Quebec.

See also

• GHGProof: Open-Source Climate Modelling for Land-Use Planning
• One-Tonne Challenge: Canadian Climate Policy Initiative
• Kettle Generating Station: Engineering and Operations on the Lower Nelson River
• Quest Carbon Capture and Storage Project
• Boundary Dam Power Station: Coal, Carbon Capture and Economic Controversy