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 Why Wind?
Wind energy is one of the cleanest, most abundant and cost-effective resources we can use to generate power. It is also one of the fastest growing sources for electricity in the world and offshore wind projects such as the one proposed by Naikun, are successfully operating in Europe today. NaiKun’s project supports B.C.’s commitment to develop clean, renewable, made-in-B.C. electricity and can make a significant contribution to meeting B.C.’s growing energy needs.
Why Build Offshore? Wind over the water is generally stronger and more consistent than wind over land. With fewer obstructions such as hills, man-made structures or even trees, offshore wind produces more energy, more efficiently than onshore wind. Offshore projects are usually located at a greater distance from populated areas, and as such, are considered to have less visual impact.
How Much Electricity Will the NaiKun Offshore Wind Energy Project Generate? NaiKun will install up to 110 wind turbines that provide 396 MW of clean, renewable energy to serve more than 130,000 B.C. homes. In twelve hours one turbine could produce enough energy, on average, to supply 2 to 2.5 houses for a whole year.
What is the Proposed Location of the Project? The NaiKun Offshore Wind Energy Project will be located in the Hecate Strait, an area between Prince Rupert on B.C.’s north coast, and the Haida Gwaii. Wind turbines will be positioned a minimum of 4 kilometres off shore, southeast of Rose Spit on Graham Island and will be connected to the mainland near Prince Rupert via submarine cable. The area offers the strong and consistent winds and shallow waters needed to build offshore wind turbines.
How Will Electricity Generated be Distributed to Homes? Submarine cables are used to transmit electricity from the offshore wind turbines to a transformer station on land. Here the voltage is converted and electricity is transmitted to homes and businesses within the existing electricity transmission grid. In British Columbia, BC Hydro is the main purchaser of power for redistribution to residential and business customers.
What is the Timeline for the Project? Since 2003, NaiKun has been collecting background information to determine engineering requirements and working with communities to develop partnerships to design construct and operate the project. In November 2008, NaiKun submitted its project proposal to BC Hydro in response to their Call for Clean Power. NaiKun is also undergoing a thorough environmental assessment (EA) as required by the provincial and federal governments and the Haida Nation. Construction will begin once; final approvals are received from First Nations, provincial and federal governments, BC Hydro selects successful proponents, and investment capital is raised. For more information see Project Timeline.
What is HaidaLink? The NaiKun project includes an innovative proposal, known as HaidaLink, to connect Haida Gwaii, through the project to the mainland electricity grid. Haida Gwaii is the largest area in B.C. not currently supplied by the main power grid, and currently receives most of its power from expensive diesel generation. HaidaLink would provide a clean energy solution for the island and economic opportunities for the Haida Nation.
How will the project benefit British Columbia and the North Coast? The NaiKun Offshore Wind Energy Project supports B.C.'s commitment to develop clean, renewable, made-in-B.C. electricity and can significantly contribute to meeting our growing energy needs. Wind energy is a key part of the global shift to increased use of renewable energy and this project can help reduce our provincial and national greenhouse gas emissions. The project is a long-term investment in the communities of the north coast and provides lasting benefits. In addition to employment during the construction phase, there will be several long-term career positions related to the operation and maintenance of the project.
How are First Nations involved with NaiKun's project? NaiKun has taken a new approach to business with First Nations and has been working closely with First Nations stakeholders in the development of the project. In May 2007, NaiKun reached a landmark memorandum of understanding with the Haida Nation to jointly construct and operate the project - a partnership that will bring both environmental and economic benefits to the Haida. NaiKun also has commercial agreements with certain Tsimshian First Nations.
What are the Environmental Impacts of NaiKun’s Offshore Wind Energy Project? NaiKun is undergoing a thorough environmental assessment (EA), as required by the provincial and federal governments and the Haida Nation. The EA helps develop an understanding of the project’s potential environmental, social and economic effects. Extensive field work and studies are underway at the project site and along the transmission cable route to evaluate potential effects on fish, marine mammals and birds as well as any impacts to economic, social and recreational activities. For more details visit Environment. As part of this process, consultation is undertaken through legislated public comment periods. For more details about opportunities to provide feedback visit Community Consultation.
What Impact Will the Project Have on Local Crab Fisheries? There is an important commercial crab fishery in the proposed wind farm area in Hecate Strait. A component of the environmental assessment (EA) is looking closely at fish, crab and all marine life in the area to determine if there might be any changes as a result of the project. NaiKun is committed to working with local communities to ensure that the project is designed and built in consideration of local interests and the environment.
What Impact Will the NaiKun Offshore Wind Energy Project Have on Birds? A component of the environmental assessment (EA) is looking at any potential effects of the project on wildlife, including birds. NaiKun is committed to designing and building the project in consideration of community and environmental interests. The modern wind turbines that will be used in this project are designed with features to help minimize impacts to birds and their habitat including slowly rotating turbine blades and elimination of areas on the turbines for birds to nest or perch.
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