Project Overview
The Panuke Lake Wind Project (the “Project” or “Panuke Lake”), is a wind energy project proposed by a subsidiary of Potentia Renewables Inc. (“PRI”) in partnership with the Alternative Energy Resources Authority (“AREA”).
The proposed project, Panuke Lake Wind Project, is located to the west of Panuke Lake, and approximately 8.5 km to northeast of Vaughan, Nova Scotia. The anticipated generation capacity for Panuke Lake is approximately 77 MW, generated by up to 14 wind turbines. We chose the Project location after careful consideration due to exceptional land and community partners, wind resource, and a suitable connection point to the Nova Scotia Power transmission system.
We are committed to working closely with local government and community members, and we strive to keep all parties informed. We have hosted our first Open House on November 10th, 2021, at the St. Louise Union Church in Ellershouse. The storyboards presented at this Open House are show below, which includes maps showing the sound receptors (i.e. structures and buildings) and the environmental constraints.
We also hosted a Virtual Open House on November 23, 2021. The presentation for the open house is available by clicking on this link.
We also hosted a second in-person Open House on April 29, 2022. The presentation for the second open house is available by clicking on this link.
Project location
The map shows a general Project area within which the turbines are planned to be located. The exact locations of turbines are dependent on many factors, including environmental studies and community input, and will be finalized at a later development stage.
Economic Benefits
If we are successful and the Project secures a PPA with Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI), we anticipate the Project will have an immediate positive economic impact with ongoing benefits over the 25-year project life. New revenues to the local economy will include municipal taxes, landowner payments, and local economic activities.
Construction of the Project will also bring employment opportunities to the area. Local contractors, service providers, equipment rentals, suppliers, and other area businesses will all be given preference wherever possible. Your area can also anticipate a local economic boost during the development and construction phase of the Project, specifically for businesses in hospitality and services, including restaurants, short-term housing, and grocery stores.
Community Benefits
In addition to the economic benefits just mentioned, the Project will also sponsor a number of capacity building programs to support the community and provide additional benefits as we develop the Project in your area. We are currently reviewing several opportunities with the local Municipality and Mi’kmaq communities. The final capacity building benefits package will be determined together with the leaders from your community. Options currently under consideration include:
- Post-secondary bursaries for qualifying graduating high school students from the area
- Charities & Foundation Contributions
- Training, Skills Development & Shared Knowledge
- Employment opportunities
We would love to hear your thoughts on the above and any other ideas you may have for community programs. Send us an email with your comments or fill out and return the Comment Form.
The Alternative Resource Energy Authority (“AREA”) is a partnership between the Towns of Antigonish, Berwick and Mahone Bay. The towns each operate electric utilities and distribute power to customers within their service areas and, through AREA, own and operate the existing Ellershouse Wind Farm.
Please visit www.areans.ca to learn more.
In July 2021, the Province of Nova Scotia announced its intention to add 350 MW of renewable low impact electricity from independent power producers to the provincial electricity grid through a Rate Base Procurement (RBP). The RBP is intended to aid the Nova Scotia Government in achieving its 80% renewable electricity standard by 2030 and support the province’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 53% by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
As part of the RBP, the province issued a request for proposal (RFP) to independent power producers like PRI to develop renewable energy projects and sell electricity under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The RFP was released to proponents on February 11, 2022 and project proposals were due by May 11, 2022. The final results of the RFP are expected to be announced in August 2022. If awarded a PPA, the Project is expected to be built by December 2024. The Project’s life would be 25 years, as per the requirement of the Nova Scotia PPA.
For more details visit www.novascotiarbp.com
We are committed to assessing and limiting environmental impacts of the Project. The Project will adhere to the specific siting criteria defined in the RFP, as well as comply with the applicable environmental legislation, regulations and government policies in Nova Scotia. Site-specific wildlife, habitat, noise, cultural, socio-economic, and other studies will continue as required by the Environment Act and associated regulations. We will also consult with the community through public open houses to solicit local environmental knowledge.
We will submit an Environmental Assessment (EA) Registration Document to the Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change (NSECC). The EA Registration Document includes the results of all the studies, the layout, potential impacts, and mitigation measures and will include a consultation report with feedback from the community. NSECC may approve or deny the Project, approve the Project with conditions, or require additional environmental assessments before making a determination. Additional environmental permits such as aquatic habitat protection permits will also be obtained as needed.
We aim to reduce impacts on the natural environment through careful siting of infrastructure and informed planning of the Project. We will also hire a third-party environmental monitor for the construction period to ensure compliance with commitments and requirements. Potentia will actively work with government agencies, environmental professionals and experts, and the community to protect the natural environment surrounding and within the Project area, including water quality, soils, vegetation, wildlife habitat, and sensitive or at-risk species.
When the wind blows, the blades of the wind turbine generate lift which turns the rotor, spinning a generator inside the nacelle and generating electricity. Modern wind turbines range anywhere from 100 to 125 metres in hub height, and each of the 3 blades can range between 60 and 80 metres in length. Each foundation, or “Turbine Pad,” typically takes up to one acre of land.
The wind turbines are connected by an underground electrical collector system that meets at the substation. The electricity is then converted to the correct voltage and exported to the SaskPower transmission system for people to use.
Each turbine will have its own access road. Depending on the location of the turbines, each access road may span 30 to 700 metres in length from a main or range road to the Turbine Pad. Each Access Road is typically 6 metres in width.
Temporary laydown and storage areas, a permanent operations and maintenance building, and upgrades of local roads may also be required.