The Province of New Brunswick,Canada, is working to develop policies that will make it simpler for communities to develop their own wind-generated power.
Energy Minister Jack Keir announced the initiative in response to a desire by New Brunswickers to actively participate in the emerging wind energy industry.
Community wind projects are smaller in scale than large commercial wind farms in the province. They typically range in the magnitude of five to 15 megawatts (MW), consisting of between three to seven wind turbines. These wind farms will be locally owned by community members, or local ventures, with the goal of maximizing local benefits and affording individuals the opportunity to assist the province in reaching its climate change goals.
Dr. Yves Gagnon, Chair of Sustainable Development at Université de Moncton, will lead community consultations into how individual communities can maximize the benefits of wind developments throughout the province.
Premier Shawn Graham said the program is very much in line with the government’s plan for self-sufficiency. "Our government is committed to engaging with communities on how to best grow our province and achieve self-sufficiency," Graham said. "Community wind actively seeks participation from our communities and First Nations groups on important energy projects affecting the province."
Keir sees the potential for the province’s growing energy hub in today’s announcement. "The initiative is one which will allow communities and first nations groups the opportunity to compete in a market that is not dominated by larger wind projects," he said. "Further, our communities will have an opportunity to significantly contribute to renewable and clean forms of electricity generation in the province, and play a major role in policy development."
Community and First Nation dialogues and forums will take place in 10 cities throughout the province and are scheduled to begin within the next two weeks. In late May, Gagnon will submit a list of recommendations on community wind policy to the government for consideration.
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