Praying for calm at the cape

Portland Observer
Friday 15/2/2008 Page: 5

Pacific Hydro management was yesterday praying the wind stopped blowing at Cape Bridgewater for the next few months to allow contractors to perform the delicate task of installing towers and turbines at the wind farm. The first of 29 towers is up at the project's Amos Rd site, but yesterday morning contractors were playing a waiting game as strong winds prevented the lifting and installation of the 39 tonne wind blades to the top of the 69 metre high tower.

The blades had also remained on the ground during Wednesday because of strong winds. Pacific Hydro site manager Danny Halstead said the company was hoping to progress at the rate of installing two towers and generators a week - weather conditions pending. "We chose autumn to do this work because it is traditionally the calmest time of year, so fingers crossed," he said. "The third shipment of blades from Europe is expected to arrive at the Port of Portland next month we are doing Amos Rd first and then will proceed to the sites at Blowholes Rd." The Cape Bridgewater wind farm is the second stage of the company's Portland Wind Energy Project.

The second stage will have a generating capacity of 58 megawatts. Meanwhile, one of the companies working at the project, crane company Windhoist. has confirmed its intentions to use Portland as a base to seek opportunities in the region. UK-based McNally Crane-Windhoist director Hugh McNally said the company had established an office in Portland and recruited local employees and subcontractors. "It is the intention to build relationships and skills and use them as a basis for opportunities in the general region," he said. "All is at a very early stage."