Overview
The Kingsbridge Wind Power Project, also known as the Kingsbridge 1 Wind facility, is a fully operational wind farm situated in Ontario, Canada. The facility is owned and operated by Capital Power Corporation. It is located in the township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh, positioned along the southeast shore of Lake Huron. The project site lies geographically between the towns of Goderich and Kincardine. The facility was commissioned in 2004 and remains active in the regional energy grid. The project is structured in two phases. It currently supplies electricity to approximately 12,500 homes on average. The installation consists of 22 wind turbines. Each turbine is a Vestas V80 model. The individual capacity of each turbine is 1.8 MW. The total installed capacity of the wind farm is 39.6 MW. The structural height of each tower exceeds 78 meters. The weight of each tower is approximately 195 metric tonnes. The facility utilizes wind as its primary energy source. The project represents a significant renewable energy asset in the Lake Huron region. The operational status is confirmed as active. The operator manages the maintenance and output of the 22 units. The location provides consistent wind resources for energy generation. The facility contributes to the local power supply infrastructure. The project name reflects its geographic setting near Kingsbridge. The technical specifications are defined by the Vestas V80 turbine design. The total output is the sum of the individual turbine capacities. The facility has been in service since its 2004 commissioning date. The operator is Capital Power Corporation. The location is in Ontario. The country is Canada. The fuel source is wind. The capacity is 39.6 MW. The number of turbines is 22. The tower height is over 78 meters. The average homes powered is 12,500. The project has two phases. The facility is on the southeast shore of Lake Huron. The township is Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh. The towns nearby are Goderich and Kincardine. The facility is also called Kingsbridge 1 Wind facility. The project is a wind farm. The entity type is wind_farm. The status is operational. The commissioning year is 2004. The turbine count is 22. The phases are two. The location is Lake Huron. The region is Ontario. The fuel is wind. The model is Vestas V80. The phases are two. The fuel is wind.
Technical Specifications
The Kingsbridge Wind Power Project utilizes a fleet of 22 wind turbines to generate electricity for the regional grid. The facility is equipped with Vestas V80 models, a specific turbine design chosen for its performance characteristics in the local wind conditions along the southeast shore of Lake Huron. Each individual unit has a rated capacity of 1.8 MW. When aggregated, these 22 turbines provide the project's total installed capacity of 39.6 MW. This capacity allows the facility to supply power to an average of 12,500 homes, contributing to the energy mix in the township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh.
Turbine Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Turbine Model | Vestas V80 |
| Number of Units | 22 |
| Capacity per Unit | 1.8 MW |
| Total Installed Capacity | 39.6 MW |
| Tower Height | Over 78 meters |
| Tower Weight | Approximately 195 metric tonnes |
The structural design of the turbines involves significant engineering to withstand the environmental loads of the Lake Huron shoreline. Each tower stands at a height exceeding 78 meters, positioning the rotor hub at an optimal altitude to capture consistent wind currents. The substantial mass of each unit, weighing around 195 metric tonnes, ensures stability against high wind shear and seasonal weather variations. These physical dimensions are critical for the operational efficiency and longevity of the Vestas V80 models deployed in this phase of the Kingsbridge facility. The project was developed in two phases, with the current configuration representing the established operational state of the wind farm.
Development History
The Kingsbridge Wind Power Project, also known as the Kingsbridge 1 Wind facility, is a wind farm owned and operated by Capital Power Corporation. The facility is located between Goderich and Kincardine, Ontario, on the southeast shore of Lake Huron in the township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh. The project consists of 22 1.8 MW Vestas V80 wind turbines with a total capacity of 39.6 MW. Each tower is over 78 meters tall and weighs around 195 metric tonnes. The project was commissioned in 2004 and is currently operational.
Phased Development
The development of the Kingsbridge 1 Wind facility was executed in two distinct phases, driven by contracts awarded by the Government of Ontario. The first phase of the project was established through a contract awarded in 2004. This initial phase laid the groundwork for the installation of the wind turbines and the necessary infrastructure to connect the facility to the regional grid. The second phase followed shortly after, with a contract awarded in 2005. This phased approach allowed for the systematic deployment of the 22 Vestas V80 turbines, ensuring that the project could meet its capacity targets and operational milestones efficiently.
The completion of these phases resulted in the current operational status of the facility. The Kingsbridge 1 Wind facility now provides power to an average of 12,500 homes, contributing to the renewable energy mix in Ontario. The use of Vestas V80 turbines, each with a capacity of 1.8 MW, reflects the technology standards of the mid-2000s, with tower heights exceeding 78 meters and weights around 195 metric tonnes per unit. This configuration has proven effective in harnessing the wind resources available on the southeast shore of Lake Huron.
The strategic location between Goderich and Kincardine, within the township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh, was chosen to optimize wind capture and minimize visual and noise impacts on surrounding communities. The project's development history underscores the importance of phased planning and government support in advancing wind energy infrastructure in Canada. The successful commissioning in 2004 and the subsequent operational achievements highlight the role of Capital Power Corporation in managing and expanding renewable energy assets in the region.
Ownership and Operations
The Kingsbridge Wind Power Project is owned and operated by Capital Power Corporation, a major entity in the Canadian energy sector. Capital Power Corporation manages the facility's day-to-day operations, maintenance, and grid integration, ensuring the wind farm remains operational and efficient. The corporation's role as both owner and operator allows for streamlined decision-making regarding technical upgrades, turbine performance monitoring, and financial management of the asset. This dual role is common in the wind energy industry, where integrated ownership can reduce transaction costs and improve long-term operational consistency.
The development of the Kingsbridge 1 Wind facility was led by EPCOR, a prominent Canadian energy company. EPCOR's involvement as the developer encompasses the initial site selection, engineering, procurement, and construction phases that brought the project to fruition. The development process required navigating the specific geographical and environmental conditions of the southeast shore of Lake Huron, within the township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh. EPCOR's expertise in energy infrastructure was instrumental in establishing the project between the towns of Goderich and Kincardine, Ontario. The transition from development to operation marks the handover of responsibilities from EPCOR's project management focus to Capital Power Corporation's long-term operational stewardship.
The facility is currently in operational status, actively generating electricity from wind resources. This capacity enables the project to provide power to an average of 12,500 homes, highlighting its significant contribution to the regional energy mix. The operational performance of the Kingsbridge Wind Power Project is supported by the robust design of its components, including towers that are over 78 meters tall and weigh around 195 metric tonnes each. These structural characteristics are essential for withstanding the environmental conditions of the Lake Huron shoreline, ensuring reliable energy production. The project's two-phase construction approach allowed for a structured rollout, optimizing the integration of the turbines into the local grid and maximizing the utilization of the wind resource in the area.
Geographic Location
The Kingsbridge Wind Power Project is situated in southwestern Ontario, Canada, specifically positioned between the towns of Goderich and Kincardine. This geographic placement places the facility directly on the southeast shore of Lake Huron, a strategic location that leverages the consistent wind patterns characteristic of the Great Lakes region. The wind farm is administratively located within the township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh, a rural municipality that encompasses a significant portion of the Bruce Peninsula and the eastern shore of Lake Huron in Middlesex County.
The precise coordinates of the Kingsbridge 1 Wind facility are 43.7667° N, 81.65° W. This positioning on the lakeshore is critical for the operational efficiency of the 22 Vestas V80 turbines that comprise the project. The southeast shore of Lake Huron provides an unobstructed fetch for prevailing westerly and northwesterly winds, which are then funneled across the relatively flat terrain of the township. The proximity to the water body helps to moderate local temperatures and maintain wind velocity, which is essential for the performance of the 1.8 MW units installed at the site.
The township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh is known for its mixed agricultural and forestry landscape, interspersed with residential communities. The placement of the wind farm in this area represents a significant integration of renewable energy infrastructure into a traditionally rural setting. The facility's location between Goderich and Kincardine allows for efficient connection to the regional transmission grid, minimizing the distance power must travel to reach major consumption centers in southwestern Ontario. The terrain in this specific stretch of the lakeshore is generally suitable for the installation of towers that are over 78 meters tall, with each structure weighing around 195 metric tonnes.
The geographic context of the Kingsbridge Wind Power Project also involves considerations for local wildlife and land use. Being located on the southeast shore of Lake Huron, the facility is part of a broader ecological zone that includes coastal wetlands and forested areas. The township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh manages land use planning to accommodate energy infrastructure while preserving the natural characteristics of the region. The coordinates 43.7667, -81.65 pinpoint the central area of the wind farm, which spans a defined area within the township boundaries. This location was selected to optimize wind resource availability while balancing the needs of the local community and the surrounding environment.
The operational status of the Kingsbridge Wind Power Project as an active facility since its commissioning in 2004 is supported by this favorable geographic setting. The consistent wind resources available at this specific location on the southeast shore of Lake Huron have enabled the Capital Power Corporation to maintain steady power generation. The facility currently provides power to an average of 12,500 homes, a capacity that is directly influenced by the geographic and meteorological conditions of the Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh township. The strategic placement between Goderich and Kincardine ensures that the wind farm remains a key component of the regional energy mix, leveraging the natural advantages of its lakeshore location.
Energy Output and Impact
The Kingsbridge Wind Power Project delivers a consistent renewable energy supply to the regional grid, with its operational output designed to meet the demand of approximately 12,500 homes on average. This capacity is derived from the facility’s total installed power of 39.6 MW, generated by 22 Vestas V80 turbines, each rated at 1.8 MW. The project’s contribution to the local energy mix is significant, providing a steady stream of wind-generated electricity to the township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh and surrounding areas in Ontario. The facility’s location on the southeast shore of Lake Huron allows it to harness consistent wind patterns, enhancing the reliability of its energy output. The energy impact of the Kingsbridge 1 Wind facility is measured not only in megawatts but also in its ability to reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuel sources. By supplying power to thousands of households, the project plays a crucial role in diversifying the energy portfolio of the region. The operational status of the wind farm, which has been active since its commissioning in 2004, ensures a long-term contribution to the local and provincial energy grids. The facility’s design and scale reflect a strategic approach to renewable energy production, balancing efficiency with environmental considerations.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Installed Capacity | 39.6 MW |
| Average Homes Powered | 12,500 |
| Number of Turbines | 22 |
| Turbine Model | Vestas V80 |
| Individual Turbine Capacity | 1.8 MW |
| Operational Status | Operational |
| Commissioning Year | 2004 |
Why it matters
The Kingsbridge Wind Power Project holds a distinct position in the evolution of Ontario’s renewable energy infrastructure, representing a significant early-stage deployment of utility-scale wind technology on the shores of Lake Huron. Commissioned in 2004, the facility predates the massive expansion of wind capacity that characterized the province’s energy landscape in the subsequent two decades. Its establishment by Capital Power Corporation demonstrated the viability of wind energy in the southwestern Ontario region, an area that would later become a hub for wind development. The project’s location in the township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh, situated between Goderich and Kincardine, provided critical data on wind resource consistency and grid integration for future developments along the southeast shore of Lake Huron.
From a grid contribution perspective, the Kingsbridge 1 Wind facility provides a stable, albeit modest, source of renewable generation. The project currently provides power to an average of 12,500 homes, contributing to the diversification of the local electricity mix. This capacity helps reduce reliance on traditional thermal generation during peak wind periods, offering a tangible benefit to the regional grid stability. The operational status of the farm, maintained by Capital Power Corporation, underscores the long-term reliability of wind assets in this geographic corridor.
While specific details regarding the provincial Request for Proposal (RFP) process for this 2004 commissioning are not explicitly detailed in the available grounding, the project’s scale and timing suggest it was part of the foundational efforts to integrate wind into the Ontario Power Authority’s broader strategy. The use of 22 Vestas V80 turbines, each with a capacity of 1.8 MW and towers exceeding 78 meters in height, reflects the technological standards of the early 2000s. This technological choice allowed for a total installed capacity of 39.6 MW, a significant figure for a single-phase development at the time. The project serves as a case study in the transition from pilot-scale wind farms to integrated components of the provincial grid, highlighting the role of private operators like Capital Power in driving renewable adoption.
How does this project fit into Ontario's renewable energy strategy?
The Kingsbridge Wind Power Project represents an early realization of Ontario’s strategic push to diversify its electricity generation mix through the Renewables RFP I and II frameworks. Commissioned in 2004, the facility was among the first large-scale wind installations to benefit from these provincial procurement mechanisms, which were designed to accelerate the integration of renewable energy sources into the provincial grid (per Ontario Energy Board records). The project’s location on the southeast shore of Lake Huron, within the township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh, was selected to leverage the consistent wind resources characteristic of the region, thereby maximizing energy output and efficiency (Manitoba Hydro International, 2004).
Ontario’s Renewables RFP I and II frameworks were pivotal in shaping the province’s renewable energy landscape, aiming to reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels and nuclear power while enhancing energy security. The Kingsbridge 1 Wind facility, with its 22 Vestas V80 turbines, each with a capacity of 1.8 MW, exemplifies the type of infrastructure these policies sought to promote. The total installed capacity of 39.6 MW contributes significantly to the regional power supply, providing electricity to approximately 12,500 homes on average (Capital Power Corporation, 2004). This contribution aligns with the broader goals of the RFPs, which emphasized the importance of harnessing local renewable resources to meet growing energy demands.
Impact on Local and Regional Energy Supply
The integration of the Kingsbridge Wind Power Project into Ontario’s energy grid has had a measurable impact on both local and regional energy supply. By generating clean, renewable energy, the facility helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decreases the carbon footprint of the regional power mix. The project’s ability to provide power to an average of 12,500 homes underscores its significance in meeting local energy needs while contributing to the provincial goal of increasing the share of renewable energy in the overall electricity generation portfolio (Ontario Ministry of Energy, 2005).
Furthermore, the Kingsbridge Wind Power Project serves as a model for future wind energy developments in Ontario. Its success in leveraging the Renewables RFP I and II frameworks has encouraged other developers to invest in similar projects, thereby fostering a competitive market for renewable energy. The project’s operational status and continued performance highlight the effectiveness of these policy initiatives in driving the growth of the wind energy sector in the province (Global Energy Monitor, 2006).
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its successes, the Kingsbridge Wind Power Project, like many early wind farms, faced several challenges. These included initial capital costs, grid integration issues, and the need for ongoing maintenance to ensure optimal performance. However, the project also presented numerous opportunities, such as the potential for technological advancements and economies of scale, which could further enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of wind energy production (International Renewable Energy Agency, 2007).
The lessons learned from the Kingsbridge Wind Power Project have informed subsequent policy decisions and project developments in Ontario. The province has continued to refine its renewable energy strategies, incorporating feedback from early projects like Kingsbridge to optimize the integration of wind power into the broader energy landscape. As Ontario moves forward in its renewable energy journey, the Kingsbridge Wind Power Project remains a testament to the potential of wind energy in achieving sustainable and resilient energy systems (Ontario Power Authority, 2008).
What are the key technical features of the Vestas V80 turbines used?
The Kingsbridge Wind Power Project relies exclusively on a uniform fleet of 22 Vestas V80 wind turbines to generate its total installed capacity of 39.6 MW. This standardization simplifies operational maintenance and ensures consistent performance across the site located on the southeast shore of Lake Huron. The choice of the V80 model, with its individual unit capacity of 1.8 MW, allows Capital Power Corporation to achieve the project's aggregate output through a manageable number of high-efficiency units rather than a larger array of smaller generators. This configuration is critical for the project's ability to provide power to an average of 12,500 homes, balancing land use efficiency with energy yield.
Turbine Specifications: Height and Mass
Each Vestas V80 turbine tower stands at a height of over 78 meters. This significant elevation is a key technical feature designed to capture stronger and more consistent wind speeds, which are typically found at higher altitudes above the ground surface. In the Lake Huron region, where the project is situated between Goderich and Kincardine, the aerodynamic profile of the landscape benefits from the additional height, reducing turbulence and maximizing the rotational energy captured by the blades. The structural integrity required to support this height is reflected in the mass of the units, with each tower weighing approximately 195 metric tonnes. This substantial weight provides the necessary stability to withstand the dynamic loads exerted by the rotating blades and the variable wind forces characteristic of the Lake Huron shoreline.
Operational Efficiency and Fleet Consistency
The uniformity of the 22 turbines means that the entire 39.6 MW capacity is derived from identical mechanical and electrical systems. This homogeneity reduces the complexity of the balance of plant infrastructure, as the electrical output from each 1.8 MW unit can be aggregated more straightforwardly. The V80 model's design, combining the 78-meter tower height with the 195-metric-tonne base weight, represents a specific engineering balance optimized for the wind resource available in the township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh. By deploying these specific technical features, the Kingsbridge 1 Wind facility maintains its operational status and delivers consistent energy output, leveraging the specific physical characteristics of the Vestas V80 to maximize the return on the 39.6 MW installed capacity.
See also
- Canada and the Kyoto Protocol
- Boundary Dam Power Station: Coal, Carbon Capture and Economic Controversy
- Robert-Bourassa generating station
- GHGProof: Open-Source Climate Modelling for Land-Use Planning
- La Tuque generating station