Canadian renewable energy company, Beothuk Energy Inc. has selected a preferred location for its demonstration offshore wind farm in St. George’s Bay, in western Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Consequently, the company has requested an investigative permit from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for the proposed wind farm location.
Furthermore, Beothuk is also planning to set up its operations and maintenance base at Port Harmon, Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador. The port’s location is strategically suitable to service the proposed St. George’s Bay wind farm and is close to Beothuk’s Corner Brook manufacturing facility, the company explained.
If the project gets a green light, the O&M port will create up to one hundred jobs.
In September 2013, Beothuk announced its proposal for a 180 MW demonstration offshore wind farm that will be located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which encompasses the St. George’s Bay.
The proposed offshore wind farm will consist of thirty 6 MW turbines and will cover an area of 40 square kilometers.
The project is estimated to cost approximately CDN 400,000,000. Beothuk highlights that the project’s construction costs will not burden taxpayers wallets, as it will be funded entirely through private investment.
Kirby Mercer, President and CEO of Beothuk said: “Beothuk looks forward to working with all interest groups and regulatory agencies to develop this exciting new green industry. Our intention is to make western NL a North American Center of Excellence for offshore wind manufacturing, staging, and servicing. With political will and regional cooperation, we expect to create up to six hundred direct jobs in western NL and there will be substantial business opportunities for local companies at all tiers of the supply chain.”
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Offshore WIND Staff, February 17, 2014; Image: DONG Energy