Latest news
Press Release:
Infra Red Aviation Lighting Approved By MoD
10 August 2010
RenewableUK has announced today that MoD Air Staff has released approval for clearance of the use of Infra Red lights for onshore wind turbines.
The Infra Red lights, as provided by Contarnex Europe Limited are 300mm high, 140mm in diameter and are attached to the turbine hub.1
For turbines within the UK Low Flying System, the MoD has to date requested that 25 Candela lighting be installed as appropriate. Such lighting has minimal environmental impact and is "roughly equivalent to the tail light on a thirty-year old car".2
The new MoD's standard request for Infra Red lighting will mean that there is no environmental impact on surroundings as Infra Red is invisible to the naked eye. This is very positive news for the onshore wind industry as night-time lighting and its consequential visual impact, albeit small, is sometimes a concern given that turbines tend to be located in rural areas with limited light pollution.
1 - CEL-IR850-024-CST 24V DC IR 880nm Obstacle Light Data & Guide.
2 - MoD letter, 29 June 2009 regarding MoD's position on turbine lighting. The tail light on a thirty- year old car… modern car tail lights are generally brighter than those on vintage vehicles.
Contact:
Bruce Hutt on 01865 261 300 or at bruce.hutt@tcirenewables.com
TEWATOHNHI’SAKTHA SUBMITS BID FOR WIND GENERATED ELECTRICITY TO HYDRO QUEBEC
7 July 2010
(Kahnawá:ke – 8 Ohiarihkó:wa/July, 2010) On July 6, 2010, Tewatohnhi’saktha submitted a bid on behalf of Kahnawá:ke in response to Hydro-Quebec’s call for tender to purchase 250MW of wind energy from Aboriginal Projects. The project, whose proposed location is in St-Cyprien-de-Napierville, QC, is proposed at 24 MW capacity and with an estimated annual energy production of approximately 70 MWhrs per annum. The project will require a total capital investment of $68 million.
Although Tewatohnhi'saktha is proposed to own 99% of the company that will ultimately own the project, there is a partnership agreement with Air Energy TCI Inc. for 1% of the shares that Tewatohnhi'saktha will acquire when the project comes on line. In addition, the partnership agreement provides for certain TCI assets to be sold to Tewatohnhi'saktha’s company, which will be called Kahnawake Sustainable Energies.
As part of the bid submission, Tewatohnhi'saktha was required to select a turbine supplier. Enercon, one of the most respected names in the industry, was selected and a letter of intent to purchase 8 turbines was signed with them.
Hydro-Quebec is expected to announce the successful bids by December 2010, with the earliest possible year of construction in 2013.
TCI Renewables Colorado Development Activity Continues
7 April 2010
Following an eighteen month wind measurement campaign involving the erection of 6 x 60m met towers at three project locations in Northeast Colorado, Air Energy TCI Inc (AET) is progressing with ongoing development work, with over 60,000 acres now under longterm option to lease, AET is positioning its projects to benefit from future transmission routing, progressing three projects of up to 300MW in capacity.
"The results of the eighteen month wind measurement campaign has confirmed our belief in the viability of Colorado wind and we look forward to continued work with local landowners, community members and elected representatives to position these projects for future transmission lines planned for the area. The timelines for these projects are in the medium term, 2013-2017 but continued investment in development activity is key to positioning our projects to access new transmission capacity as it becomes available. The March 2010 increase in Colorado State increase in Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) targets (ie the percentage of generation to come from renewable resources) from 20% by 2020 to 30% by 2020 will provide the backdrop for the continued success of the renewables sector in the Colorado market now possessing the second largest RPS in the nation, behind California, which has mandated 33% by 2020"
Brett O’Connor, Operations Director
For further information regarding 'Connecting Colorado's Renewable Resources to the Markets' please refer to the REDI report produced by the Colorado Governor's Energy Office
Erection of 60m Met Tower in Yuma County, Colorado summer 2008
Press Release:
Churchill Wind Farm Progresses to Next Stage
7 April 2010
Having monitored the wind on-site since February 2008 and after positive analysis - Air Energy TCI (AET) is advancing with the development of the Churchill Wind Farm.
"We recently partnered with NextEra Energy Canada to develop two of our Ontario projects; Adelaide & Nanticoke and these were submitted into the Ontario Power Authorities Feed-In-Tariff (FIT) Program. We will continue to develop these projects alongside NextEra, but we are now keen to progress our Churchill site, given that there is strong likelihood that the transmission lines in the area will be upgraded to accommodate more wind energy projects west of London."
Brett O'Connor (Operations Director)
The Ontario Power Authority are expected to award contracts for projects submitted under the FIT Program before the end of April 2010 and shortly afterwards will examine the economic feasibility of upgrading lines to facilitate the addition of more wind projects. The Churchill Wind Project is ideally situated along a key transmission and infrastructure corridor, (between London and Sarnia) and is therefore in a solid position to benefit from such planned upgrades.
The Churchill site was originally prospected in 2007 and after initial consultations with local landowners and Township/County officials, a met mast application was approved late 2007. Given the interest in the area from local landowners AET began signing agreements throughout 2008 and 2009 and currently has around 8,000 acres under Option/Lease.
Given the impending announcement of the first round of FIT contracts, AET will step up development activities at the Churchill Site. A Notice of Engagement is likely to be advertised in local newspapers shortly and issued to key stakeholders and local residents in the coming weeks. Time sensitive bird studies are already underway (since the fall of 2009) and a Renewable Energy Approval (REA) application is expected to be submitted late 2010.
If you have any comments or queries regarding the project please feel free to contact:
Mark Gallagher (Development Manager)
T: 514-842-1923
mark.gallagher@tcir.net
TCI Renewables Submits a 3 Turbine Scheme for Planning Approval
12 March 2010
9 March 2010 TCI Renewables submitted a planning application for a three wind turbine scheme of up to 9MW at Upper Vaunces Farm, near Diss, South Norfolk.
The scheme has been sized to fit with South Norfolk Council’s Wind Turbine Landscape Sensitivity Study which states that the landscape can accommodate two to three turbines. The proposal has the potential to provide clean renewable energy to all 3.500 homes in the surrounding four villages of Dickleburgh, Pulham Market, Pulham St Mary and Rushall.
TCI Renewables’ Director, Bruce Hutt said:
"Very few windfarm proposals can tick all the boxes in the way that this one can. We are in accordance with the Council’s own policy and guidance, there is very limited ecological impact, we are fully compliant on ETSU-R-97 noise guidelines and even with visual impact we are situated in a landscape where the views are broken by the many hedges and trees between residential properties and the turbines themselves.
The UK and the East of England are both woefully behind meeting national and regional renewable energy targets. This scheme provides a sensible balance between the need for the production of more renewable energy and the protection of the environment and the landscape, a landscape which has seen many changes over the years, including having been an airship station and a World War II munitions storage facility. It is now intensively farmed."
The full Environmental Statement or an abbreviated version can be obtained directly from TCI Renewables or downloaded at www.uppervaunceswindfarm.co.uk
Press Release:
Successful 1st Open House for Nanticoke Wind Project
01 February 2010
Air Energy TCI (AET) and NextEra Energy Canada (NEC) hosted the first public open house for the Nanticoke Wind Project on 21st December 2009. The event was held in the Jarvis Lions Hall and was well attended by local residents, landowners, local government officials, media and other key stakeholders.
AET and NEC prepared a wide range of project display boards and mapping displays to address the key issues that are common to wind farm development. Copies of the Project Description and other key studies and reports were on hand and available for review by the public.
Members of the local community examine the project information panels specifically prepared for the evening
"Although the project is well known in the area and it's been in the public domain since October 2008 - this was our first full public engagement event and we are very happy with the response we received from the local community. The project was well received and it was great to get genuine and sensible feedback from local residents, so that we can consider it fully when developing the project"
Mark Gallagher (Development Manager)
Approximately 150 people attended on the evening and around 30 comment forms were returned.
AET and NEC will review all of the feedback received and will consider the information carefully when progressing with the project's development.
Brett O'Connor (Operations Director - AET) discussing the project in detail with some local community members
One of the real successes of the night was the use of a three dimensional "Google Earth" feature which allowed residents to get a visual of what the project might look like when constructed. This was very well received by attendees and the interaction definitely aided understanding of project constraints.
Overall the evening was considered a very positive one and work is now underway to complete the remaining environmental works for the project. It is expected that this project will receive a contract award from the Ontario Power Authority some time in April 2010 and that a second Open House would be scheduled for late summer 2010.
AET and NEC will continue to work closely with stakeholders and the local community to ensure that the project is a successful one.
For further information please contact:
Mark Gallagher (Development Manager)
T: 514-842-1923
mark.gallagher@tcir.net
Nanticoke and Adelaide Wind Projects, Ontario, Canada
TCI Renewables' Canadian Subsidiary, Air Energy TCI Inc, signs an agreement with NextEra Energy Canada
3 December 2009
Air Energy TCI Inc (AET) is pleased to announce that a transaction has been concluded with NextEra Energy Canada (NEC) regarding the Nanticoke and Adelaide wind projects. NEC will be the owner and operator of the projects and AET will be continue to obtain the required permits and consents and will continue as the main point of contact for landowners and community members.
The transaction resulted in NEC submitting both projects in to the new Ontario Power Authority (OPA) Feed-in Tariff (FIT) Programme as Launch Applications. The timeframe for FIT Contract Award, whereby the projects would gain a 20 year contract with the OPA for the sale of energy, has yet to be determined. However, construction is anticipated for the period 2010-2011. Both companies will work together over the coming months, in conjunction with project stakeholders, elected representatives and the local community to obtain the Renewable Energy Approval (REA). Public Open Houses have been scheduled for both projects and AET and NEC look forward to engaging with interested members of the community to discuss the projects in more detail.
"This transaction secures a critical path timeline for these projects to proceed to construction with a partner possessing unrivalled wind energy expertise in the North American market place. We look forward to working with NEC, landowners and the local community to make these projects a reality. The transaction resulted from our recent strategic evaluation of how best to progress the projects to construction which concluded that to satisfy the recently released FIT criteria evaluation (such as pre-ordered wind turbines), that it was prudent to progress with a strategic partner such as NEC. The transaction does not include our Churchill (Lambton County, Ontario) project, that we continue to develop in our own right with an anticipated construction of 2011/2012."
Brett O’Connor, Operations Director for AET.
About NEC
- Largest generator of wind and solar power in North America (over 8000 wind turbines in operation)
- Subsidiary of FPL Group, Inc. (NYSE: FPL)
- Founded as ESI Energy in 1985. Established as FPL Energy in 1998. Changed name to NextEra Energy Resources, LLC on Jan. 7, 2009
- Employees: approximately 4,500 (12/08)
- Headquarters: Juno Beach, Florida
- Nearly 90 facilities in operation in 25 states and 2 provinces in Canada
- Approximately 17,000 megawatts of generating capacity in operation
TCI Renewables secures second wind farm planning consent for 2009 in the East of England
24 July 2009
TCI Renewables is very pleased to announce that it has received planning consent for its Newton Marsh wind farm in North East Lincolnshire.
The project at Anglian Water’s Newton Marsh Sewage Treatment Works involves the erection of two 105m high 2.3MW wind turbines. Once operational, the wind turbines will generate enough clean, green energy to meet the annual electricity needs of approximately 2,000 homes and, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, will contribute in the fight against climate change.
TCI Renewables' planning application for the turbines was submitted to East Lindsey District Council in December 2007. Following an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate for non-determination in November last year, the Government Inspector recently ruled in TCIR’s favour and allowed the development.
TCI Renewables' Finance Director, Bruce Hutt, commented:
"We are very pleased that this project to generate clean emission free energy has been given the green light. It is the second scheme to be consented for TCIR in the East of England this year and shows that our commitment to working closely with all stakeholders is ensuring planning consent is granted.
From the outset we believed in this project due to its location adjacent to industrial features and good wind speed. Initial objections to the development from key stakeholders were overcome to allow the development to be consented.
The project is part of our partnership with Anglian Water and forms an important part of their self generation programme."
TCIR is a specialist wind farm development company with 42 projects totalling over 1700MW in development across the UK and North America.
For any enquiries regarding the Newton Marsh wind project, please contact Richard Lill, Senior Project Manager, on 01865 261300.
View of proposed wind farm (photomontage)
Adelaide Wind Farm - Notice of Completion
05 June 2009
Air Energy TCI (AET) is pleased to announce the completion of the Environmental Screening Report (ESR) for the Adelaide Wind Farm, located in the Township of Adelaide Metcalfe, Middlesex County.
A draft of the report was submitted to various stakeholders for comment in April 2009 and the final document was prepared and issued on 5th June 2009. The report is the result of over 18 months of data gathering and hard work; that saw over 100 turbine layout revisions to ensure that the current design is not only the best in terms of maximising energy yield, but also minimises impacts on the environment and local community. The screening process and report compilation was completed by independent environmental consultants - Golder Associates.
The Notice of Completion has been issued as of 5th June 2009 and full copies of the final report were forwarded to appropriate agencies. The local community will receive notification by way of a mail out and the Notice will also be advertised in the local newspaper.
The report itself can be viewed by visiting the Township Offices (2340 Egremont Drive) or at the Strathroy Public Library (34 Frank Street).
There is an official 30 day review period and AET would welcome feedback on the report from all interested stakeholders prior to 10th July 2009.
All comments and queries should be directed to:
Mark GallagherTCI Renewables
381 Rue Notre Dame West
Montreal, QC
H2Y 1V2
T: 1-888-842-1923
F: 514-842-7904
mark.gallagher@tcir.net
Government Inspector Grants Planning Consent for TCI Renewables' Wind Project at March
17 April 2009
TCI Renewables is pleased to announce that planning consent has been obtained to erect a 2MW wind turbine at Anglian Water's March Wastewater Treatment Works.
Councillors went against their planning officers' recommendation and rejected our proposal for a 105m high turbine because of its ‘visual impact'. Following an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, the decision has been overturned by Government Inspector Geoff Slater. He concluded that the proposed turbine would not have any significant adverse effect on the landscape and that any limited visual impact would be more than outweighed by the substantial renewable energy benefit and reduction in Anglian Water's carbon footprint.
TCI Renewables' Senior Project Manager, Richard Lill, welcomed the Inspector's decision. He said:
"We are delighted that the Planning Inspector has allowed the appeal. Our development team worked very hard to deliver this project and we are pleased it is close to becoming reality. The March wind turbine is an important part of Anglian Water's self generation programme and will help the company's strategy to reduce its carbon emissions."
March, Cambridgeshire (photomontage)
Adelaide Wind Farm – Support for Project at Second Open House
02 April 2009
TCI Renewables (TCIR) is extremely pleased with the feedback gained at the second open house held on March 26th 2009, for the Adelaide Wind Farm project. Over 80 people attended the event which was held in the Adelaide Metcalfe Township Offices. The event was specially designed to enable the public to meet with the project team, learn about the project in detail, ask questions and offer opinions.
Attendees were mainly local residents but there were also members of the public from neighbouring municipalities who travelled to attend the event. There were also local Council members and local government and business representatives from nearby townships in attendance.
On hand from TCIR were Brett O’Connor the company’s North American Operations Director, Mark Gallagher - Development Manager for the project and Gareth McDonald assisting with the development of the project. TCIR also ensured that there were representatives from Golder Associates (independent environmental consultants) on-hand to answer specific questions on environmental impacts, including two noise specialists.
TCIR Staff engage with members of the public at the Open-House
A tally of the feedback sheets from the event shows overwhelming support from those in attendance and this is attributed to good consultation and on-going contact with the public
"We were really pleased with the event and the feedback we received. We had gone to great efforts to ensure we had detailed information at hand, plenty of project mapping, key visual aids and an interactive on-line GIS system which everyone loved. We found that the public were impressed with our work and the information we had and it went some way to ensuring everyone knew just how far the project has developed. We hope that by continuing to work closely with the community we can maintain this level of understanding."
Mark Gallagher (Development Manager)
A group of local residents discussing the project.
TCI Renewables will continue to develop the project and is currently undertaking an Environmental Screening Process in order to evaluate the potential impacts.
Nanticoke Wind Farm – Positive Feedback
22 January 2009
TCI Renewables officially presented the proposed 90MW Nanticoke Wind Farm to the public at a recent Energy Symposium hosted by MPP Toby Barrett in the Jarvis Community Hall, November 20th 2008. Over 250 members of the public turned out to the 2nd annual event which was designed to present the possible energy options available for the Haldimand/Norfolk area and allow feedback and questions from the local public.
MPP Toby Barrett addresses over 250 member's f the public
"Was a well-balanced amount of information garnered from ten display tables, and over two hours of presentations, questions, answers and some good-natured debate." 1
There were representatives from the Coal, Nuclear, Natural Gas and Renewable sectors and each generation type was presented to the Public as an option for the area. There were also presentations from local community groups, and comments from residents who raised concerns over the impacts from the various technology types and it was clear that although there were some queries regarding wind energy it was no doubt considered one of the more benign forms of generation possibilities.
TCI Renewables who had already issued the Notice of Commencement for the Nanticoke wind energy project in October 2008 to over 3000 households, businesses and groups used this event as another opportunity to present the Nanticoke Wind Farm to the public. A detailed display was assembled and information regarding wind energy in general and the project itself was made available to the public who demonstrated a great interest in the project on the night.
A member of the public collects information on the Nanticoke Wind Farm
Members of the TCI Renewables development team were also on-hand, all evening to answer questions from the public and explain about the environmental and socio-economic benefits the proposed Nanticoke Wind Farm would have, if successfully approved.
TCI Renewables staff engaging with a member of the public
"It was an amazing turn-out and we would like to thank Mr Barrett for his efforts in organising this event. We had a lot of genuine interest and intelligent questions from the public and it shows that this is an issue, with which the local community have a real desire for meaningful input. From a wind energy perspective, I was very encouraged by the feedback we received on the evening and it seemed that the vast majority of the attendees we spoke with, supported not only wind power, but also our efforts to develop a renewable energy project in an area which has traditionally seen only fossil fuel generation and heavy industrial activities." 2
TCIR have annual wind data from the site dating back to 2005 and have land agreements in place with over 50 local landowners for over 10,000 acres of land. An additional wind measurement mast was erected in October 2008 to measure wind speeds further back from the lakeshore in order to achieve greater accuracy in analysing the local wind resource.
The next step is to continue to assess the environmental impacts of the development and as part of the Environmental Screening Process, having already completed a variety of Fall bird studies - TCI Renewables will now step up environmental study works with the arrival of Spring; completing a variety of detailed ecological, archaeological, and technical studies throughout 2009 with the potential for constructing a project from 2012 onwards depending upon obtaining all necessary permits and approvals and being successful in securing a power supply agreement with the Ontario Power Authority.
TCI Renewables is committed to a high level of consultation and will continue to update the public as the project progresses. For further information about the project please email: info@tcir.net or call Free phone: 1-888-842-1923 to speak directly to member of the TCIR Development Team.
Project Contact:
Mark Gallagher
(Development Manager)
TCI Renewables
381 Rue Notre Dame
Montreal, QC
H2Y 1V2
T: 514-842-1923
F: 514-842-7904
[1] Extract from letter written by MPP Toby Barrett to TCI Renewables
[2] Comments from Mark Gallagher, Development Manager for the Nanticoke Wind Energy project
