Nova Scotia regulator backs 102-MW wind farm in appeal case

Sep 6, 2013 - The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board yesterday dismissed an appeal by a group of residents who oppose the 102-MW South Canoe wind project, Canadian Broadcasting Corp (CBC) News said Thursday.

The regulator said that it will support the decision of the councillors of the District of Chester, which gave the nod to the USD-200-million (EUR 156m) project in March. The approval was followed by an appeal by Friends of South Canoe Lake and the owners of a local golf course who expressed worries that the wind farm would affect property values and the health of nearby residents.

The 102-MW wind farm proposal includes 34 turbines, expected to commence operation by January 2015. The project will include two pieces -- a 78-MW wind farm developed by Oxford Frozen Foods and a 24-MW park of Minas Basin Pulp and Power. Local utility Nova Scotia Power, which holds a 49% interest in the whole project, will be buying the output for 20 years.

According to the project website, the plant will generate enough power to cover the needs of 32,000 local households. Once operational, it will be the biggest wind park in Nova Scotia. Acciona Windpower, part of Spanish Acciona (MCE:ANA), will be in charge of its construction and will supply the equipment.

In November the court of appeal will conduct a hearing for a complaint from an independent power producer, according to CBC News.

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