Municipality of Barrington selling off wind turbine

The Municipality of the District of Barrington has made the decision to sell or lease a wind turbine that has been in operation for almost ten years. The rural Shelburne County municipality recently put out a request for proposals for the sale of the 50-kilowatt turbine and the land it sits on, located near Highway 103 and in close proximity to a construction and debris landfill.

Originally constructed in 2015 by Endurance Wind Power, the 42-metre tower has been managed by the municipality since the company went out of business in 2016. Warden Shaun Hatfield explained that while the turbine has generated between $10,000 and $28,000 in revenue annually for the municipality, it has become apparent that it is no longer cost-effective to continue operating it.

“We have found over the years that it hasn’t necessarily been cost-effective for us,” Hatfield stated. “With the company that installed it no longer being there, it’s been a bit challenging to be able to maintain it. And of course, you know, our business is not the maintenance of an asset like that.”

Hatfield expressed optimism that other businesses specializing in wind power could take over the tower and ensure the continued generation of sustainable energy for the power grid. Despite the decision to sell or lease the turbine, the municipality remains positive about wind energy in the area, with Hatfield noting that owning and operating the turbine has been a valuable learning experience.

“I’m sure it’s still a valuable asset to somebody whose business would be, you know, taking that over and making it into a viable enterprise for themselves,” Hatfield added.

Interested parties looking to bid on the turbine must submit a detailed operating plan outlining how they would effectively maintain and operate the turbine. Additionally, the proposal should highlight any potential benefits to the local community, such as job creation or environmental stewardship projects.

The Municipality of the District of Barrington is currently accepting offers for the wind turbine until April 11th. This move marks a significant step in the municipality’s journey towards sustainable energy solutions and the potential for new opportunities in the renewable energy sector.