Celtic Current – Community Wind Development in Northeastern Nova Scotia

Celtic Current Community Wind Development Project

Several community wind development projects are underway by Celtic Current in communities throughout northern Nova Scotia.

The developer, Celtic Current LP, is proposing to generate up to 10 megawatts (MW) of renewable wind energy that will be sold to Nova Scotia Power Inc. through their distribution lines. If approved, the power will be sold at a fixed rate set by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board and in accordance with the guidelines set out by the Nova Scotia Renewable Electricity Regulations and the COMFIT program.

Project Overview

The Celtic Current project, located in North Eastern Nova Scotia, is a community based wind development project with COMFIT approval for 7.2 megawatts (MW) of generating capacity.

Celtic Current LP is a company primarily owned and operated by individuals residing in Nova Scotia. Zutphen Wind will manage the project. Celtic Current is a COMFIT project.

More: Information about Nova Scotia’s renewable energy plan and COMFIT

Specific Project Details to Date

The approved sites being considered are MacVicars Lake (Cape Breton County), Chéticamp (Inverness County), Point Aconi (Cape Breton County), and Mulgrave (Town of Mulgrave).
It is expected that up to 2.5MW wind turbines will be erected on 3 sites in Phase I.
The sites were chosen based upon the anticipated annual wind speed at 80 meters, the proximity to the 3 phase power lines, the distance from the nearest substation, site accessibility and ease of construction.
Energy produced will be sold into the power grid at the distribution level.
The nearest resident to any of the selected sites is approximately 1km.
Power generation is expected by Q4 2013.
Wind testing is in progress on 3 sites.
Access roads have been constructed on 2 sites.

Benefits of Wind Energy and the Effect on a Community

Wind is not a shrinking resource therefore will not be depleted.
Wind reduces our dependency on fossil fuel sources.
6MW will supply power for approximately 1800 homes.
Connecting to the grid distribution accommodates the intermittent nature of wind farm output and will not provide the ability to develop into large wind farms.
Wind energy represents one of the most cost effective and proven renewable technology for Nova Scotia to meet this challenge.
Wind is one of the most cost effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Skilled trades jobs for electrical, road, concrete and more during the construction of the wind turbines.

Management Experience

As managers of the project the J&T van Zutphen Construction Inc. has experience with project management, site preparation and building of foundations. Zutphen believes it has the knowledge and equipment required to get the generation facilities operational.

Contact

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:

Martha Campbell, Project Manager
(902) 945-2300 – Phone
(902) 945-2087 – Fax
martha@celticcurrent.ca