No timeline for bringing Ontario wind farm online after fallen turbine rotor hub incident
Erie Shores owner Capstone Infrastructure says degree of OEM GE Vernova's role in root cause analysis 'being determined'
After detaching from the SLE 1.5MW model turbine’s main shaft, a Capstone photo shows the 31-tonne hub landing upright with all three blades attached, although the tip of one appears bent.
There were no fatalities or injuries from the incident.
“The scene is secure, and out of an abundance of caution, the entire wind farm has been taken offline while we begin investigating the situation. We are currently engaging all relevant parties to brief them on the situation and will provide more information when it becomes available,” the company said in a statement.
Erie Shores employs 66 SLE 1.5MW turbines at the site located on the north shore of Lake Erie. The facility began commercial operation in 2006. It has a 20-year PPA with Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), the Crown corporation responsible for operating the bulk electrical system in Ontario.
Erie Shores is one of 17 wind farms in Canada to employ the SLE 1.5MW turbine which has a hub height of 65-80 meters (212-262 feet). The SLE is one of three GE turbines in its former 1.5MW series along with the SE and XLE.
GE Vernova, spun off in April 2024, was formed from the merger of the parent company’s energy businesses including wind equipment and services. The OEM no longer offers a 1.5MW wind turbine in its catalog.