Windfarm in New Brunswick

[DigitalMind]

This weekend I was working in Moncton, New Brunswick.  I drove from Montreal, Quebec.  On my way back, a few hours away from Moncton, but still in NB, I came across a mountain range that went for MANY Kilometers, with HUGE wind turbines ALL ALONG the top of the mountain range.  My Co-pilot counted well over 30 wind turbines.  (Seemed HUGE from where we were on the Trans-Canada highway)  

I tried taking a few pictures but they didn't come out since I was driving at the same time.  I really wish I had pulled over, but we were in a rush ..

Just wanted to share ..  I was very happy to see this considering all the research i've been doing on solar and wind power.  

I also noticed quite a few of those signs advertising restaurants that are coming up in  20-30 km's at the next exit that were powered by a couple of Solar Panels and 2 small wind turbines.  (They have HUGE spotlights on them all night long)  

[richhagen]

When I travel I likewise notice the things like that.  I think that for remote roadside signs and such where theft and vandalism is not that prevelant, the cost of lighting them up with solar panels is probabaly cheaper than running cables, putting in a meter, and powering them from mains.  I have started noticing pole mounted panels on all kinds of signs and sensors here, even in the heart of a major city.  (although I wonder about the installers as a couple of them were aimed east instead of south, but maybe they just wanted morning power.)  

I also have enjoyed seeing the majestic giants spinning away along the highway and by train.  I can't help but think of how much coal or other fuel doesn't have to be burned for that electricity.  I hope to see more in the future.  Rich

[DigitalMind]

In Montreal, the temporary road construction signs are powered by Solar Panels, as well as most of the parking meters downtown !!!  They even just installed 3 Solar Powered TRASH BINS that compact the garbage.  I think that one was going a little too far though...   I put the trash bin article on my blog at techienation.com if anyone's interested...

[sdscott]

New Brunswick's first 32-turbine wind farm in Albert County.

The project, worth $170 million, is being constructed on Crown land in the Kent Hills, 30 kilometres southwest of Moncton.

[Drawbar]

Just outside of NB there is a huge windfarm in the town of Mars Hill, Maine too. This is a pretty big deal for maine.

Maine and NB might share power too. The Public Utilities Commission for this state is deciding to either stay with the current New England Grid (@ 15 cents a KW) or join up with NB which is like half that). The problem started when the southern New England States tried to jack up the rates yet again for all of the New England Grid to help pay for needed power plants in their area. As is, half of Maine power goes to them, so its not good for Maine. Our rates would go up to a rate that is higher then most in this country, and yet we would not get any jobs out of the deal, nor gain extra power capacity.

I have written to the PUC on this matter, but if the PUC does what it has in the past, it will not vote in a way that is good for the State of Maine taxpayers and whatnot. So far their recent decisions has jacked up the price of power rather then lowering it as they claimed they would do. Its sad to say, but I don't see them doing the right thing on this either. As Mainers, we seem to stick to tradition even if it costs us enormous amounts of money.

[DigitalMind]

If anyone is interested, here is the link to the picture I was able to take while driving.  Zoom in on the mountain top and you will see all the wind turbines.  It's very nice.  

http://www.telinpho.com/pictures/Moncton%20Work%20Trip/PICT0202.JPG

This is another random wind turbine I saw along the way :

http://www.telinpho.com/pictures/Moncton%20Work%20Trip/slides/PICT0120.html

That one was right along the trans-canada highway ...