Toronto Hydro Energy Services has constructed and installed a wind research platform (anemometer) approximately 1.1 km offshore in Lake Ontario to measure the wind resource.
The platform consists of a structural steel platform located in approximately 15 m of water, and extending approximately 4 m above lake water level with a width of approximately 5 m.
Platform contains the anemometer instrument, auxiliary power system, communications and navigation beacons.
The wind resource will be studied over a two year period to determine whether a wind project is economically viable in this location.
The offshore wind research project has been supported, in part, by various groups including, Toronto Atmospheric Fund, The City of Toronto and Natural Resources Canada.
No decision to proceed with a potential offshore wind farm has been made. Any further projects (i.e. an offshore wind farm) are subject to a separate environmental assessment process with full agency and public participation.
Call for Renewable Energy
The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) is seeking new sources of electricity supply. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is encouraging the development of renewable energy generation from wind and water sources through the lease of provincial crown land. Under that process, Toronto Hydro Energy Services is investigating the feasibility of a wind farm offshore in Lake Ontario.
The Anemometer
An anemometer measures wind speed and direction. The anemometer is a stand-alone structure with no moving parts that would be affixed to the lake-bottom, but would be removable after it has served its purpose. The specific location has been determined following a non-intrusive geotechnical study of the lake bottom area, and will have minimal disruption to the lake bottom.
The platform consists of a structural steel platform located in approximately 12 m of water, and extends approximately 4 m above lake water level with a width of approximately 5 m. The platform contains the anemometer instrument, auxiliary power system, communications and navigation beacons. The anemometer instrument measures wind speed and direction using light imaging radar. This method results in a more compact structure.
