Overview
The Port Burwell Wind Farm is a significant operational renewable energy facility located in the province of Ontario, Canada. Commissioned in 2006, the wind farm represents a key component of the regional energy infrastructure, harnessing wind power to contribute to the electrical grid. The facility is situated in close proximity to the town of Port Burwell, serving as a prominent landmark in the local landscape while functioning as a major source of wind-generated electricity for the area.
The physical layout of the Port Burwell Wind Farm is extensive, characterized by a sprawling arrangement of turbine installations that extend across a substantial area of the surrounding countryside. According to geographic data, the facility stretches approximately 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) to the west of the town of Port Burwell. Additionally, the wind farm extends approximately 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) to the southeast of the town. This wide dispersion of turbines allows for efficient capture of wind resources across different microclimates within the region, optimizing energy production capabilities.
As an operational wind farm, the Port Burwell facility continues to play a role in Ontario's energy mix. Its commissioning in 2006 marked the beginning of its contribution to the province's renewable energy portfolio. The location near Port Burwell provides strategic access to transmission lines and local energy demands, facilitating the integration of wind power into the broader Canadian energy infrastructure. The facility's status as an operational asset underscores its ongoing relevance in the context of sustainable energy production in Ontario.
History and Development
The Port Burwell Wind Farm was developed as part of the Government of Ontario's strategic push to diversify the province's electricity generation mix in the mid-2000s. The project gained significant momentum in 2004 when the Government of Ontario awarded the generation contract, securing the financial and regulatory framework necessary for construction. This awarding process was a critical step in transitioning the site from a proposed renewable energy project to a concrete infrastructure development, positioning it among the early large-scale wind installations in the region.
Following the contract award, construction proceeded rapidly to meet the targeted commissioning schedule. The facility was officially opened in 2006, marking the beginning of its operational life. The commissioning in 2006 established the Port Burwell Wind Farm as a significant contributor to the local grid, utilizing the consistent wind resources available in the area near Port Burwell. The development timeline reflects the efficient execution of the project, moving from contractual agreement to full operational status within a two-year period.
Project Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2004 | Generation contract awarded by the Government of Ontario |
| 2006 | Official opening and commissioning of the Port Burwell Wind Farm |
The successful launch in 2006 set the stage for the wind farm's long-term operational history. The project's development was characterized by the alignment of provincial policy incentives with local geographic advantages, ensuring the facility could begin generating power efficiently shortly after the initial contractual milestones were met.
Technical Specifications
The installation consists of 66 wind turbines, each with a rated capacity of 1.5 MW. This configuration results in a total installed capacity of 99 MW for the entire farm. The turbines are manufactured by General Electric (GE), utilizing the 1.5 MW model which was a standard utility-scale turbine during the mid-2000s development period. The layout of the farm is designed to maximize wind capture across the local topography, stretching approximately 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) to the west of the town of Port Burwell and extending 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) to the southeast.
Turbine Specifications
The facility employs 66 identical units from General Electric. Each turbine features a 1.5 MW generator, which is typically a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) in this class of GE wind turbines, allowing for efficient power conversion and grid integration. The rotor diameter for these 1.5 MW models is generally 77 metres, providing a swept area of approximately 4,656 square metres. The hub height for the GE 1.5 MW series is typically around 80 to 85 metres, though specific tower heights can vary based on site-specific foundation requirements and wake effect management. The blades are constructed from composite materials, designed to withstand the variable wind loads characteristic of the Ontario landscape. The turbines are spaced to minimize aerodynamic interference, or wake effects, between adjacent units, optimizing the overall energy yield of the 66-unit array.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Entity Type | Wind Farm |
| Primary Fuel/Source | Wind |
| Country | Canada (Ontario) |
| Operational Status | Operational |
| Commissioning Year | 2006 |
| Number of Turbines | 66 |
| Manufacturer | General Electric (GE) |
| Turbine Model | GE 1.5 MW |
| Rated Capacity per Turbine | 1.5 MW |
| Total Installed Capacity | 99 MW |
| Western Extent | 8 km (5.0 mi) |
| Southeastern Extent | 16 km (9.9 mi) |
| Location | Near Port Burwell, Ontario |
The spatial distribution of the turbines across the 8 km and 16 km axes allows for a strategic arrangement that accounts for prevailing wind directions in the region. The 1.5 MW turbine technology chosen for this project represents a mature and reliable solution for onshore wind generation, balancing energy output with mechanical complexity. The farm's operational status since 2006 indicates a long-term integration into the local and provincial energy grid, contributing to Ontario's renewable energy mix. The specific layout dimensions ensure that the infrastructure does not overly concentrate in a single area, spreading the visual and acoustic footprint across the landscape west and southeast of Port Burwell.
Why it matters
The Port Burwell Wind Farm represents a significant component of the Government of Ontario's broader strategy to diversify the provincial electricity mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Commissioned in 2006, the facility was among the early large-scale wind energy projects developed in the province, helping to establish the technical and operational viability of wind power in the Lake Erie region. Its development aligns with Ontario's renewable energy initiatives aimed at integrating variable renewable resources into the regional grid, contributing to the overall capacity and stability of the local power supply.
The wind farm's geographic configuration, stretching approximately 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) to the west of Port Burwell and 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) to the southeast, allows for efficient capture of prevailing wind patterns across a substantial land area. This extensive layout supports consistent energy generation, which is critical for balancing the regional grid's load demands. By providing a steady output of wind-generated electricity, the facility plays a role in enhancing the resilience of Ontario's power infrastructure, particularly in the south-central region of the province.
As an operational wind farm, Port Burwell contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity production. The integration of such renewable energy sources is a key element of Ontario's energy policy, which seeks to balance environmental sustainability with reliable power delivery. The project's long-term operation since 2006 demonstrates the enduring value of wind energy investments in the province, offering a model for future renewable energy developments in similar geographic and climatic conditions.
See also
- Robert-Bourassa generating station
- Quest Carbon Capture and Storage Project
- Canada and the Kyoto Protocol
- Churchill Falls Generating Station: Engineering, Contract Disputes and Regional Impact
- Long Spruce Generating Station: Engineering and Operations