“Though it has been asserted by the Fortis Bank, the Petroleum Economist, and the World Energy Council that BC’s wind power is possibly the best in the world, BC does not have even one wind turbine”

Introduction

Anticipation of wind power becoming a major energy source throughout the world is more than just dust in the wind. Since the year 2000, the use of wind power has increased 30% annually worldwide, making it the fastest growing energy source (Canadian Wind Energy Association Quick Facts, 2005). The United States and numerous European countries, such as Denmark, Germany, and Holland, have lead the way in wind power development, but the benefits and potential of wind power have piqued the interest of other countries, including China, India, Australia, and Canada (NOVA, 1998). Though approximately 39,000 MW of energy is currently produced through wind power globally, it is estimated that the possible capacity of global wind power is five times this amount (Canadian Wind Energy Association Quick Facts, 2005).

It would be extremely advantageous for the world’s nations to develop wind power. This energy source boasts many environmental and economic benefits. Unlike traditional energy sources, wind power does not produce hazardous wastes, lacks air and water emissions, does not exploit natural non-renewable resources, and does not create environmental damage through resource removal and haulage (American Wind Energy Association, 2005). Of course, like all energy production, wind power does have some environmental impacts, but these impacts are small and local, which make them easier to detect, supervise, and mitigate (American Wind Energy Association, 2005).

Many of the economic benefits produced by wind power are also local, but are definitely not small. The economies of rural communities can be rejuvenated through the development of wind farms. Farmers and other landowners frequently receive royalty or lease payments for the use of their land, while local workers are often hired to maintain the turbines over the long-term (American Wind Energy Association, 2005).

The economic benefits of wind power are global as well. For example, the shortage of natural gas can be reduced through the generation of wind power. Furthermore, wind power is not subject to the fluctuating prices that natural gas is (American Wind Energy Association New Releases, 2003). Additionally, wind power can reduce ‘hidden costs’ such as those associated with air pollution and resulting health care costs (American Wind Energy Association, 2005).

Cognizant of wind power’s advantages, the Canadian federal government has established the Wind Power Production Incentive (WPPI) to encourage the development of wind farms. The WPPI is intended to bring about the creation of 4,000 MW of wind power by the year 2010 (Natural Resources Canada, 2005). At present, Canada produces 570 MW of wind power from wind farms based in Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and the Yukon (Canadian Wind Energy Association Wind Energy, 2005; Canadian Wind Energy Association Quick Facts, 2005).

If Canada were to fully utilize its wind resource, 20% of the country’s electricity needs could be met by this green energy source, while its greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by 3 megatonnes each year (Canadian Wind Energy Association, 2005; Natural Resources Canada, 2005). Wind power could be a significant tool in Canada’s effort to meet Kyoto obligations.

An important step in harnessing Canada’s wind resource is employing the vast wind power potential in British Columbia. Though it has been asserted by the Fortis Bank, the Petroleum Economist, and the World Energy Council that BC’s wind power is possibly the best in the world, BC does not have even one wind turbine (British Columbian Wind Energy Association, 2005). BC has many characteristics that make it an ideal place for wind farms, including:

• Good wind resources
• Sufficient grid access
• High demand for energy
• Federal and provincial incentives, such as the WPPI and BC Hydro’s Integrated Energy Plan

Considering that BC’s energy needs are expected to rise by roughly 33% by the year 2023, and that the need for sustainable energy production is becoming increasingly crucial worldwide, it is important for BC to exploit its substantial wind resource (The Tyee, 2004).

In this study, we aim to determine the most suitable site(s) in BC for wind farm development based on physical and economic criteria. The physical criteria are wind speed, variation in elevation, and proximity to water bodies, human settlements, airports, landfills, rail lines, and parks.  The economic criteria are proximity to transmission lines and to roads.