Wind energy is the fastest growing source of electricity in the world. Across Canada, electricity generated from wind is powering homes and businesses in a clean, reliable and efficient manner.
Wind is completely self-renewing and is available in an abundant supply across Canada. Because wind turbines require no fuel, operating costs for wind farms are generally low, often significantly lower then diesel generators.
While winds are intermittent in nature, wind energy has proven to reliably supply up to 20% of an electrical grid’s total power without adverse affect to power quality. To date in Canada wind energy represents only 0.2% of the total electricity produced, however a number of large wind energy projects that are currently in development are expected to increase.
Conditions for successful utility scale wind generation
In order for a utility scale wind energy project to be successful the following conditions must exist:
Wind Energy in the Yukon
During the 1980s, the Yukon Conservation Strategy and the Yukon Economic Strategy suggested that power generation using local renewable energy sources such as wind, could replace imported diesel. This would also provide opportunities to enhance self-sufficiency, reduce economic leakage, and create opportunities to diversify the economy.
In the 1990s, the international community began to recognize climate change as a serious issue. Greenhouse gas emissions (mainly carbon dioxide) from diesel electric generation became a factor in discussions of energy use. Wind generated power was identified as a way to reduce these greenhouse gas emissions.
Yukon wind research findings
Monitoring the wind resource in the Yukon has led to the following three conclusions:
Yukon Wind Turbines
In 1993, at a cost of $1 million, Yukon Energy Corporation (YEC) erected Yukon’s first commercial wind turbine on Haeckel Hill. The Bonus 150 wind turbine was chosen to minimize the capital outlay required. The life expectancy of a turbine of this nature is typically 15 years and this turbine continues to work well in our northern climate 13 years after its original installation.
In 2000, a second wind generator was erected on Haeckel Hill, the 660 kW Vestas, at a cost of $2 million.
The Bonus had established the technical feasibility of wind generation in Yukon climatic conditions. The Vestas is intended to test the commercial viability of wind generation, that is, the ability to use wind to generate electrical power at costs below those of diesel generation in Yukon conditions. Based on experience with the Bonus 150 kW, the Vestas 660 kW was chosen for features that should make it easier to operate and maintain here in the north. These include a tubular tower that allows indoor climbing and maintenance while sheltered from the weather, and one piece, variable-pitch wind blades to maximize power production.
Birds
In some parts of the world concerns have been raised regarding the possibility of birds striking wind turbines. Five years of bird studies at the Haeckel Hill site have given the wind turbines a clean bill of health. It has been determined that migration routes for waterfowl are in the valley below the turbine site.
Rime Ice
Both of Yukon's turbines suffer operational problems during the winter due to icing, specifically rime icing. Rime icing is a white frost-like build-up that can often be seen on branches and trees around open water and often occurs on Yukon Mountains when a cloud contacts the mountain or ridge. Under these conditions solid objects accumulate ice that ‘grows’ into the wind. This kind of icing condition makes it very difficult for wind turbines to operate.
In order to help minimize the effect of icing on the turbines YEC has made a number of modifications to the system:
Future of Wind Energy in the Yukon
YEC, private individuals and private industry continue to evaluate Yukon sites for their wind generation potential. As the cost of petroleum based fuels continues to rise wind energy becomes an increasingly attractive option for power generation in remote communities and for remote industrial and residential operations.
Yukon Wind Research Papers and Presentations
Yukon Wind Resource Map Viewer
This map shows the average wind speed at locations around the Yukon. Note that the wind speeds were measured at varying elevations above sea level and above ground level and that the wind data collection methods also varied based on the data source.