Wolfe Island wind turbines restart as blade failure probe continues

Wind turbines on Wolfe Island are turning again after a recent blade failure prompted a widespread shutdown, though the exact cause of the incident remains under investigation.

TransAlta, the company operating the wind facility, has been returning the turbines to service in stages. Following initial safety checks, more than half of the fleet has now been brought back online.

“They did their spot inspections on more than 30 per cent…. They found no problems,” said Frontenac Islands, Ont., Mayor Judy Greenwood-Speers.

But when it comes to the root cause of the blade failure, the investigation is still ongoing. Heavy equipment is required on-site to fully examine the damaged turbine.

“It takes giant machines and they have to bring the [nacelle] down and do the inspection. So that’s lower on the list in that they have to get that organized,” Greenwood-Speers said. “And hopefully our roads will be drier [then], too, because that will be heavy on our country roads.”

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the initial incident, the mayor expressed faith in the company’s response and the overall safety of the system, which has operated for years without major issues.

“I’m very curious to find out what they figure out…. I don’t know what it is,” she added. “I have every confidence.”

Until TransAlta’s final report is issued, the exact cause of the initial failure remains a mystery.