“Wind power and green energy still a good deal.”

Brantford Expositor, March 10, 2014

OHSWEKEN – Six Nations council is still working on the implementation of two wind farm projects as it goes deeper into the green energy field.
Council has been working for about four years on the Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm, on privately owned agricultural land in Norwich Township; and the Port Ryerse Wind Project just outside the hamlet on the shores of Lake Erie.
Lonny Bomberry, director of lands and resources, says the two projects are too good an investment for Six Nations to pass up, even if a negative political environment still pervades wind power projects.
“There’s no question wind power green energy is still a good deal,” he said. “The projects have a fixed rate of return that can generate good revenue. It’s a good way for First Nations to become involved in the energy field.”
The Gunn’s Hill project is farther along and close to implementation. Although “there isn’t a final determination yet,” Bomberry said prospects of implementation are still rated as good.
The project will be owned and operated by Gunn’s Hill Windfarm Inc. Prowind Canada is proposing to develop it on privately owned, agricultural land as well as Norwich Township municipal easements for electrical lines.
The project was awarded a FIT (Feed-In-Tariff) contract with the Ontario Power Authority in 2011 to supply 25 megawatts with 10 wind turbines.
According to the business plan, Prowind has invited Six Nations to be a 10% equity partner. Its contribution will be $1.8 million, which is estimated to generate revenue in excess of $3 million over 20 years.
Bomberry said he anticipates the project will be ready to proceed in the next two to three months.
“The financing that has to be brokered is still the main question,” he said, noting the financing will likely come in the form of a bank loan.
Bomberry said Six Nations is still in productive discussions with Prowind Canada and partners in Gunn’s Hill Windfarm.

Read the full story here.