A new wind farm with 15-20 turbines could be coming to the Ridgetown area.
The 100 megawatts Botany Wind Project is set to become operational in 2030, but it still needs many approvals, including from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO).
EDF power solutions is handling the development of the project and said construction should start in late 2028 or early 2029, if the project is approved.
EDF said this wind project is being proposed in accordance with the requirements of the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act to ensure conservation of environmentally sensitive areas and wildlife habitats.
"The Project team will engage with community members, First Nations, local government officials, and local businesses to make sure the final project design is socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable," said EDF. "Our goal is to minimize potential impacts to the environment, local stakeholders, and to partner with First Nation communities."
If approved, the wind farm will be operational for 20 years and will be decommissioned or re-powered, depending on market conditions and energy needs, following that term, noted EDF.
The power producer also said community engagement will take place throughout all phases of the project, adding that landowner negotiations to lease land are currently underway and approximately 3,000 acres have been signed to date.
"Since the Project is currently in Stage 1, engagement at this time is focused on sharing preliminary project information, getting to know the community, and collecting feedback from neighbors, stakeholders, and other interested parties," EDF said.
If the Botany Wind Project is approved, EDF said the community will benefit from more than 150 construction and operations jobs; contracts for local businesses; a boost to the local economy; and tax revenues throughout the life of the project.
A Community Support Agreement will also give Chatham-Kent an annual payment in the range of $300,000 per year, equivalent to $6 million over the life of the project to support municipal priorities.
A Host Community Fund to support local priorities will benefit the municipality with approximately $25,000 a year as well, totaling approximately $500,000 over the project's term.
"EDF power solutions believes every renewable energy project should be developed in lasting partnership with the local community. We strive to be a good neighbor and we work closely with the community to design our project in a way that is respectful to the needs, heritage and future of Chatham-Kent."
EDF also said concerns regarding construction of wind turbines potentially affecting water wells in the area are being taken seriously. The company noted it is gathering data on water well locations to ensure it has all the information needed.
"We are in the very early stages of design and will ensure that this concern is investigated thoroughly, and factors into design choices and the location of infrastructure, including wind turbines," said the power producer. "If Botany Wind proceeds, we will reach out to participating landowners and project neighbors to gather necessary details and perform baseline studies as needed."
EDF is also promising environmental studies to measure the potential risks to birds and bats and to implement the necessary mitigation measures if the wind turbines are approved, noting well-sited wind projects have minimal impacts on local bird and bat populations.
The Ontario government said it needs and increase in electricity of up to 75 per cent between now and 2050 and the IESO is currently looking for projects that can meet this demand.
The first opportunity to submit projects is next month with the IESO looking to procure three terawatt hours of energy.
Wind is among the lowest cost to generate new electricity.
