Oxford County on its way to the goal of 100% Renewal Energy

Oct 17, 2016

Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm Project Generates Power

The Oxford Community Energy Co-operative celebrated the inauguration of the Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm Project on Saturday, October 15^th.

Gunn's Hill Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Champagne Toast

While seeing 10 wind turbines with the rotors turning amongst the rolling hills on Ontario may no longer be unique in Ontario, the Gunn’s Hill wind farm is different because the Gunn’s Hill Windfarm is the first “Community” wind project in Canada. Oxford County is unique in that it has set a goal of sourcing 100% of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2050.

The project began in early 2014 as a Limited Partnership with the Six Nations in Grand River and Prowind. Less than 3 years later, the wind turbines are operational, and will be feeding power into the grid as of November.

“Behind us is our first turbine rotating and I feel good,” said Helmut, outgoing CEO, during the opening ceremonies. “There where many roadblocks to overcome, but we kept our promise: with every rotation of the blades you are reducing the burden on our environment and at the same time creating a profit from your investment.”

According to some expert calculations, approximately 400 households are supplied by each turbine, with each household having an average of 4 people. Since Oxford County has a population of 110,000, the 10 wind turbines at Gunn’s Hill represent between 10-15% of achieving Oxford county’s goal of 100% renewable energy?

Gunn's Hill Wind Turbines

For more information about the Oxford County Energy Co-operative: http://www.oxford-cec.ca/

Video: Fendt Slicer - Automated adjustment of the conditioner intensity

The Fendt Slicer explained: Grassland and forage stands show a high heterogeneous biomass growth when cut, which leads to different initial dry masses and drying speeds. The aim is to have a consistent dry matter content of 30 to 40% across the entire field. The Fendt Slicer 960/1010 Pro models with optional tine conditioner offer variable adjustment of the conditioner intensity thanks to the innovative ISOBUS control. The automatic adjustment is made using sensors in real time measurements or using application data based on the position registration of the biomass.