Low Operating Costs

Windpower projects do not have any meaningful fuel costs compared with most other methods of energy production, and are therefore not subject to the fuel cost volatility associated with such other methods of energy production. Modern windpower facilities now often use a sophisticated monitoring system that enables operation and supervision of the project to be conducted offsite.

Relative Simplicity of Construction

When compared to traditional forms of electricity generation facilities such as hydro, gas, nuclear or coal facilities, windpower facilities are relatively simple to construct and can typically be constructed within a much shorter time frame than facilities using other energy sources. This simplicity of construction and resulting shorter construction time may result in reduced construction delays and cost overruns and allow wind projects to generate cash flow sooner.

Environmentally Preferred

International environmental agreements, such as the Kyoto Protocol, have set targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions and there are numerous provincial and federal regulatory requirements pertaining to Air Emissions. Windpower facilities do not produce any greenhouse gas or Air Emissions, which are believed to contribute to global climate change and air pollution, respectively. Windpower does not create solid waste byproducts nor deplete non-renewable resources.

Regulatory Initiatives

The Canadian federal government and numerous provincial governments have instituted regulatory initiatives to encourage the development and operation of windpower and other renewable energy projects in contrast to non-renewable energy power generation facilities.

» more information on the initiatives set forth by the Canadian federal and provincial government

Operational Flexibility

Wind turbines are modular in nature and can, assuming turbine availability and site and project feasibility, be added to an existing site quickly in order to increase overall capacity, system reliability and performance. As windpower facilities do not require a fuel source, the logistical challenge associated with other types of power generation facilities of supplying fuel to possibly remote locations is eliminated, although the availability of transmission lines and interconnections in certain regions is often a determinative factor when assessing the economic viability of a project.

Non-Restrictive Use of Land

Windpower projects require only a small percentage of the land they occupy for road access and turbine foundations. Unlike other power generation technologies, the rest of a project's site is available for other uses, such as agriculture, pasture, industry and recreation. Further, wind facilities require no commercial use of water, which can be allocated to agricultural needs.