Wind Projects | Oxford County

Welcome to Prowind – Your Partner in Advanced Wind Energy

Wind Projects in Oxford County

Our Vision

At Prowind, we are committed to shaping a more sustainable future. We are dedicated to energizing our lives and strengthening our communities, committed to creating a sustainable future for those we love.

The Power of Wind Energy

Wind energy is a key component in the fight against climate change.
We create projects that are environmentally, socially, and financially conscious, while ensuring the benefits of hosting a renewable energy facility in Oxford County remain within this community.

Our Projects

Each Prowind wind farm is thoughtfully planned to ensure it coexists harmoniously with the local environment. We place strong emphasis on environmental compatibility and consistently prioritize the health and safety of all participants and nearby communities.

To learn more about the Bower Hill Wind Farm, visit the following link: https://www.prowind.com/us/bower-hill-wind-farm/.

Events

Join us at an upcoming event to learn more about wind energy in Oxford County.

April 15: Gunn’s Hill Open House, Turbine 6, 714420 Middletown Line, Oxford Centre

April 30: Gunn’s Hill Open House, Turbine 1, 485044 Firehall Rd, Norwich Township

May 14: Gunn’s Hill Open House, Turbine 1, 485044 Firehall Rd, Norwich Township

May 24: Community Meeting , Foldens Hall, 374091 Foldens Line, Ingersoll

Resources

Below is a list of resources and materials to help you learn more about Prowind and our development process:

Community and Transparency

The involvement of the local community is incredibly important to us. At our operating Gunn’s Hill project and in all planned developments across Oxford County, we prioritize transparency, open communication, and intentional listening to ensure all perspectives are considered and concerns are thoughtfully addressed.

Sustainability and Innovation

Prowind uses advanced technologies, as demonstrated in our wind development projects in Oxford County, to improve efficiency and minimize environmental impact. Our goal is to create lasting benefits for both the environment and the community.

Contact Us

Prowind is committed to community engagement and welcomes dialogue from residents, landowners, Indigenous communities, and local officials.

If you have questions, comments, or would like to learn more about the project, please contact us at:

Email: contact@prowind.com

Phone: 905-528-1747

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the turbulence of a wind turbine has a negative effect on the crops in the area?

Research from Iowa State University suggests that wind turbines located in agricultural fields can have a positive impact on crops growing around them. The study, conducted by a team of plant and soil scientists, observed that wind turbines change the microclimate for crops like corn and soybeans. The turbulence created by the turbines can interact with the crop, possibly increasing evaporation from the crop or moving carbon dioxide down into the crop. This increased movement can also lead to more sunlight penetrating the dense crop canopy, potentially benefiting the plants.

Overall crops grown in wind farms seem to benefit.

“So there are three ways the crop is being ‘fertilized’ from either the air or from the soil or from increased photosynthesis. We measured increased carbon dioxide uptake during the day, but an increased respiration at night,” he said. “But over the course of the day there was more uptake. So as far as the impact of the turbines on the carbon dioxide processes and the photosynthesis process in the near vicinity of the turbines it’s a net gain.”

Here the published article

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/iowa-state-university-research-finds-wind-farms-positively-impact-crops

Why is the distance requirement of a wind turbine in Ontario from a ’non-participating house different than from a participating land-owners house?

In Ontario, the difference in setback requirements for wind turbines between participating and non-participating properties is largely due to considerations of impact and consent. Participating landowners, who have agreed to have turbines on their property, are generally more accepting of their presence and the associated impacts such as noise or visual disturbance. In contrast, non-participating property owners have not given such consent, so greater setbacks are required to minimize potential impacts on their properties. This approach is aimed at balancing the development of wind energy with the rights and preferences of individuals living near these installations.

What are the setback rules for wind turbines in Holland and Germany?

In the Netherlands, the setback rules for wind turbines are not strictly defined by a single standard distance. Instead, they are typically determined based on a maximum noise level of 40 dB(A). In practice, a common guideline is to use a distance of about 4 times the height of the mast of the wind turbine. However, this is not a legal requirement, and the actual setback can vary depending on specific local regulations and environmental impact assessments.

In Germany, the setback requirements for wind turbines vary based on the designated noise level protection of the area:

In “quiet regions” with a noise level of 35 dB(A), the setback is typically between 1,000 to 1,500 meters.
In “middle regions” with a noise level of 40 dB(A), the setback ranges from 600 to 1,000 meters.
In “standard regions” with a noise level of 45 dB(A), the setback is usually between 300 to 600 meters.

These distances can vary since all makes and models of wind turbines are not equally noisy. Some German states have their own specific standards.

Both countries approach the issue with an emphasis on minimizing noise impact and ensuring the turbines fit appropriately within the local environment.

Are there any wind turbines near settlements in Holland?

Yes, there are wind turbines located near settlements in Holland. As part of the country’s efforts to increase renewable energy capacity, the Netherlands has been actively installing onshore wind turbines. By the end of 2015, there were at least 2,525 onshore wind turbines in the Netherlands, contributing to around 5% of the country’s total energy requirement. The Dutch government set a target to achieve an onshore wind capacity of 6,000 MW by 2020, under the Energy Agreement for Sustainable Growth. This target required the addition of approximately 1,000 to 1,500 new onshore wind turbines.

Moreover, the Dutch government’s climate plans aim for at least 27% of energy to come from sustainable sources by 2030, with wind energy playing a significant role in achieving this goal. The Netherlands has taken measures to generate energy using onshore wind turbines as a reliable and efficient sustainable energy source. The construction of these wind farms often involves cooperation with local building contractors, and residents can share in the proceeds, reflecting a community-based approach to renewable energy development.

One notable example is the wind farm in Zeewolde, near Amsterdam, where local residents and farmers have become shareholders in the project. This approach has helped to overcome resistance from local residents often hesitant about living next to wind turbines due to concerns about noise and visual impact. In this project, more than 90% of the people in the project area became shareholders, demonstrating a successful model of community involvement in renewable energy projects.

These initiatives illustrate the Netherlands’ commitment to renewable energy and the integration of wind turbines into both rural and residential areas, balancing the need for sustainable energy with community involvement and acceptance.

Interesting video about the benefit of a community project where the community can own shares in the windfarm similar to what we propose.

https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/dutch-wind-farm-blows-away-opposition-new-millers-get-stake-2022-08-29/

Does noise from the turbines have any effect on humans?

In Canadian research on the effects of wind turbine noise on human health, several studies have found no direct link between wind turbine noise and physical health problems.

A review of scientific literature on wind turbine sound and human health conducted by Canadian researchers Drs. Loren D. Knopper and Christopher A. Ollson found no direct causal link between people living near wind turbines and physiological health effects. The review, which appeared in the Journal of Environmental Health, suggested that reported health effects are likely attributed to environmental stressors rather than specific turbine-related factors like audible noise or infrasound.

Another significant study by Health Canada and Statistics Canada involved more than 1,200 adults living near wind turbines in Ontario and Prince Edward Island. This study, which was launched in response to concerns about wind turbines causing illness, concluded that there was no definitive connection between wind turbine noise and a range of chronic health problems. The study did find a relationship between increasing levels of wind turbine noise and annoyance towards various features of wind turbines, including noise, vibration, shadow flicker, and aircraft warning lights. However, no evidence was found linking wind turbine noise to self-reported or measured health issues such as sleep disturbance, dizziness, migraine headaches, chronic problems like heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, or stress indicators like hair cortisol levels.

These findings indicate that while wind turbine noise can be a source of annoyance for some people, it does not directly cause health problems. The annoyance experienced by individuals may be influenced by factors other than noise, such as visual impact or personal benefit from the turbines.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the original sources of these studies: American Clean Power and Health Canada.

All questions and answers

Ask us your questions!

Do you have questions about wind turbines, their environmental impact, how they interact with agriculture, or the benefits they bring to our community?

We invite you to review our detailed Q&A guide, which covers topics such as the use of agricultural land, setback requirements, and health considerations.

Understanding the details of wind energy is important, and we are here to provide clear and reliable information. If you have specific questions, please use the form below. Our team is committed to offering thoughtful responses to support understanding and address any concerns.