Most of the wind power currently generated in Canada, and around the world, is generated by wind turbines arranged in large-scale arrays covering many acres of land with strong wind resources. These large scale projects, called wind parks, can generate hundreds of megawatts of renewable power without generating greenhouse gasses, airborne or waterborne pollutants or radioactive waste. Prior to construction, wind park developers must complete comprehensive Environmental Assessments that ensure the wind park does not interfere with the welfare of local wildlife and migratory bird populations.

Well-designed, efficient large-scale wind farms benefit from several economies of scale:

• Ensure adequate flow of wind available to all Wind Turbines
• Increase array efficiency leading to optimized power generation
• Minimize power transmission line losses
• Include 24-hour on-site monitoring & control
• Increase Return on Investment

Small Wind Farms

Small wind farms (under 10 MW) are renewable energy projects that are designed to be in scale with the local community, for example in more densely populated areas or urban locations. Small wind farms can generate enough power for up to 4500 homes. The distributed power generated by small wind farms create a more resilient local power grid and reduce the chances of brown-outs for the community in which they are located. Distributed power is also more efficient, minimizing power transmission line losses by travelling shorter distances from point of generation (wind farm) to point of use (the local community).

For more information about the benefits of wind power, visit the Canadian Wind Energy Association website (www.canwea.ca).