Community Wind Initiative

In February of 2008, the Government of New Brunswick announced the launch of a community wind initiative for the province. The initiative would see the development of community wind projects – wind farms owned and operated by local community groups or individuals. Community wind farms generally produce up to 15MW of energy, which is distributed to consumers through the local electric grid. Revenues generated by the sale of the energy are then returned to the wind farm’s owners.

There are many benefits to community wind projects, both environmental and economic. There are environmental benefits associated with wind energy projects in general, as it is a clean, renewable power source. Community wind in particular, however, helps to improve the social acceptability of wind energy by promoting community engagement and participation in the province’s emerging wind energy industry. Economically, the revenues generated by community wind farms benefit communities by supporting local economic development, promoting local self-sufficiency, and developing local entrepreneurship.

To learn more about New Brunswick's Community Wind Energy Initiative please visit www.nbcommunitywind.ca