With news last week of a massive wind energy proposal for Huron and Lambton counties that could power as many as 144,000 homes, this part of the country could well become a well-known centre for wind farms.

As reported on this week’s front page, NextEra Energy has proposed three wind farms that would be located in Bluewater, South Huron and Lambton Shores — all told, the three farms would generate 490 megawatts of electricity if approved and could involve as many as 300 wind turbines.

In April we reported about a proposal by Acciona for the Bluewater area that could produce 37.5 megawatts and power the equivalent of 9,000 homes. That project, in the preliminary stages like the above-mentioned larger projects, could see 23 turbines erected.

Put very simply — that’s a lot of windmills. Some people don’t even want to see one windmill; imagine their reaction when they hear how many there could be in the area.

Should all of these projects go forward, windmills will dot the landscape in Bluewater, South Huron and Lambton Shores. What remains to be seen is whether local residents want the windmills and whether or not the province will approve the projects.

There will no doubt be opposition from some residents. Last week’s open house meetings in Zurich and Dashwood were well attended and it has already been made clear that some lakeshore residents have questions.

And while the projects don’t involve land west of Highway 21, there will be concern from those worried about how the erection of wind turbines will alter the landscape and the beauty of the Lake Huron area.  

There are other concerns, too — do windmill farms have an adverse effect on human health (NextEra says no)? And what about birds and bats? How will the turbines affect flight patterns? And what type of casualties will there be to wildlife? And what about the land? There are things such as the construction of access roads and operations buildings to be considered.

It’s up to the companies involved to complete studies to answer these questions.

Another concern is ensuring that Ontario’s power grid can take the proposed new power.
On the plus side, these projects will result in local jobs and being such a hotbed of clean, renewable energy will enhance the area’s profile and reputation.

If attendance at last week’s open houses is any indication, interest in these projects is strong. And that’s a good thing. The public needs to ensure it stays informed about such a large project and make sure if it has questions or concerns, that they be directed to the companies involved.