Beothuk Outlines Offshore Wind Benefits

Canadian offshore wind energy developer, Beothuk Energy, has discussed benefits of wind energy projects proposed off the western Newfoundland coast.

In a report on the socioeconomic impacts, published by the company, the proposed wind energy project in St. George’s Bay would also include manufacturing of substructures as well as the operation and servicing of the project, writes The Western Star.

The project, which would use gravity based foundations, would range from 90 to 180 megawatts with a possibility of creating up to 45 jobs per megawatt.

Beothuk believes that more than CAD 635 million in indirect economic activity could be created during the construction and installation period, as well as that some wind farm components could be built in western Newfoundland.

“This is a huge growth sector in North America, and we are on the edge of something here,” said Kirby Mercer, president and CEO of Beothuk Energy. “This is going to happen. If it doesn’t, it will become an election issue.”