H2 Wind Project: Update November 15, 2024

Thank you for keeping your distance from the Halkirk 2 Wind project while we investigate the incident that occurred at Turbine 33 (T33) on November 8, 2024.

For safety and security, the site at T33 has a 24x7 security guard and a fenced perimeter has been erected. Immediately following the incident, Alberta Occupational Health, and Safety (AOHS) was contacted. After Capital Power provided detailed incident information, AOHS advised Capital Power was permitted to continue its investigation. Access roads to the other turbines are restricted with signage at each location.

All construction and commissioning activities remain suspended.  T33 will be electrically isolated on Nov. 16, and the other wind turbines remain energized, so they can safely yaw (rotate) to align with the wind direction and the blades to pitch minimizing turbine activity.

We continue to work closely with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) and Alberta Environment and Protected Areas. The AUC was out on site this week to learn more about the incident.

Investigation Underway

A specialized team from Vestas is leading the investigation with support from Capital Power and Borea. Earlier this week, a drone was deployed to inspect T33’s tower and assess the debris field providing important preliminary information into the incident.

The team developed a safe work plan, and a crane mobilized at T33 on Nov. 14. Our current priority is securing T33 with helical strakes to prevent oscillation and vibrations to maintain the structural safety and integrity of the tower and foundation. Pending wind conditions this work will be completed when it is safe to do so.  In simple terms, this work will involve wrapping the tower with ropes outfitted with ordinary pool noodles.

Once it’s declared safe to do so, a detailed inspection inside and up the tower will take place to collect additional evidence and gather more information for investigators.

Vestas and Borea personnel are inspecting the 27 other wind turbines to ensure they’re safe and do not pose a hazard. We anticipate the inspections to be completed soon. Pending the outcomes of those inspections and if all investigating parties agree it’s safe to do so, we will lift the restriction to keep a minimum distance of 200 metres away from the towers. If any landowners are impacted by this temporary restriction, please contact Dean Stutheit at deanstutheit@accessland.ab.ca or 403-598-4540. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping a safe distance away.

Capital Power and our contractors take this incident very seriously and we will continue to update the community as the investigation continues.