Construction at the International Power Canada’s Harrow Wind projects in Essex County is progressing well. The four projects that are being constructed under the Ontario's Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program have an installed capacity of 9.9 MW each with a total capacity of 39.6 MW.
The electricity generated from the project is enough to power about 12,000 homes in Ontario every year. Commercial operation of the project is expected to commence in June 2010. Mike Crawley, President of International Power Canada, said that the company is pleased that the construction of Harrow project is progressing well. Mike Crawley expects the company will be providing renewable energy later in the year 2010 to the province.
The Harrow wind project comprises 24 Vestas V82 1.65 MW turbines and it is situated in the Town of Essex on the northern shore of Lake Erie. The general contractor for the project is AMEC Black & MacDonald. The project is also generating employment for the local people such as iron workers, laborers, and electricians. Paul Robinson, construction manager with Black & MacDonald said that about 120 local people are in the construction team.
Mike Crawley said that the jobs created by the project are important and demonstrates the fact that the region has resources and infrastructure to support such projects, which will help to keep the region competitive in Ontario's fast growing green energy economy.
Access roads for the projects have been completed and foundations for 18 of 24 turbines are over and backfilled. Erection for six turbines, which has been delivered at site, is progressing and will continue for the next few months.