| New Wind Farm Contributes to New Brunswick’s Goal of Self-Sufficiency |
 By Cynthia Kincaid
In late January, New Brunswick’s Premier Shawn Graham and Energy Minister Jack Keir announced that Acciona Energy has been selected to construct a wind farm in Lamèque, N.B., representing a total investment of about $100 million. The 25-year power purchase agreement for up to 49.5 megawatts of wind power is being finalized between NB Power and Acciona Wind Energy Canada, Inc. Acciona will construct, own, and operate the Lamèque facility. It is expected that several hundred jobs will be created through the development, construction, and lifespan of the project.
Premier Graham is pleased with what this development means for the province’s overall goal of self- sufficiency saying, “It will foster economic growth and demonstrate that New Brunswick is an energy hub.” Minister Keir notes that wind energy brings greater stability for rates in the future, because it lessens the province’s dependence on the uncontrollable prices of foreign oil and coal.
The Lamèque wind farm will be in service by November 2009. The facility will have 33 Acciona Windpower wind turbines, which will provide 154 gigawatt hours of power per year. This will be roughly enough power to meet the electricity needs of about 8,900 homes.
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