Investigation underway after blade breaks off Wolfe Island turbine during 'high wind'

 An investigation is underway after a massive blade snapped off a wind turbine on Wolfe Island, near Kingston, Ont.

The "blade failure" happened on Monday during "high wind conditions," according to TransAlta, the company that operates 86 turbines on the island.

No injuries were reported, the company said in an emailed statement.

"As a precaution, the facility remains offline while we conduct inspections and a technical assessment of the turbines."

Photos shared by Township of Frontenac Islands Mayor Judy Greenwood-Speers show a white, 80-metre tower in a field with only two of its three blades still attached. The third lies on the ground near its base.

A tall, white tower stands in a snowy field. Two blades are attached at the top, while a third lays on the ground.

A blade from a wind turbine lies near its base in a field on Wolfe Island. TransAlta, the company that operates the wind farm, said the damage happened during 'high wind conditions.' 

 

"The good news is no one was hurt. It landed basically at the bottom of the turbine ... so no damage done other than to the blade," the mayor said in a phone interview with CBC on Thursday afternoon.

Greenwood-Speers described the damage as "very unusual," adding it's the first time she's heard of a blade breaking off since the wind farm started operating in 2009. TransAlta has a "good safety record," she said.

Greenwood-Speers said the company notified her about the damage on Tuesday.

A row of white wind turbines can be seen in the distance beyond a harbour and docks covered in ice and snow.

All 86 wind turbines on Wolfe Island have been temporarily shut down as TransAlta investigates what caused a blade failure on March 16. (Dan Taekema/CBC)

 

Greenwood-Speers said islanders are curious to learn what caused the damage, and interested in seeing the wind turbines come back online.

"Farmers make their money when the turbines are turning ... and I'm sure the company would like to make money, but they do want to make sure it's nice and safe," she said.

"When they find out what the real cause is, I'm sure they'll get the rest of it running again."

In its statement, TransAlta said it's investigating the failure and will provide updates when information becomes available.

Investigation underway after blade breaks off Wolfe Island turbine during 'high wind' | CBC News

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