NaiKun Installs Meteorological Station at Offshore Site - Sandwell provides design and installation co-ordination
For Immediate Release October 10, 2007
Vancouver, British Columbia - NaiKun Wind Energy Group Inc., ("NaiKun") has installed a $2.5 million world-class marine meteorological station under permit from the Haida Power Authority. Sandwell Engineering was responsible for the engineering, procurement assistance, and construction coordination of the structure which is situated off the coast of Haida Gwaii (the Queen Charlotte Islands) in northwestern British Columbia.
The first phase of the project, a 320 MW offshore wind energy development, is located in an area known as the Haida Energy Field (HEF) which has some of Canada's best wind regimes. The project is North America's first offshore wind site and is currently under development with construction expected to begin in 2009.
"The installation of the marine meteorological station is a critical step forward for the NaiKun project. The station is equipped with the most sophisticated measurement instruments available and will assist the company in pre-engineering and construction planning," noted Ray Castelli, President and CEO of NaiKun Wind Development. "In addition to the wind measurement system, the station is fitted with an acoustic doppler current profiler (ADCP) to measure current velocities and wave heights, periods and directions. This is one of the most advanced meteorological stations available and much of the design, componentry and assembly was done here in BC with local companies."
The recently installed marine meteorological station is equipped with several high-tech instruments that will measure and collect data pertaining to atmospheric conditions, wave and current climate, wind speed and direction and air and sea temperatures. The measurement data will also play an important role in pre-engineering the project and identifying the optimal siting of the wind turbine locations. This is the first offshore measurement station of its kind on the west coast of North America.
"Sandwell has been developing a strong niche in sustainable engineering services and we are excited about this milestone," said Dave Kaukinen Vice President and General Manager, Energy and Infrastructure Division. "Green energy is important to all of us and this project is a positive step towards contributing to BC's energy needs."
Sandwell also coordinated the bathymetric survey, location selection, platform layout, and provided specification and procurement assistance for the navigational aids, lightning protection for the 26 meter high platform.
NaiKun Wind Energy Group Inc. (TSX-V: NKW) is a Vancouver-based energy company that has traded on the TSX Venture Exchange (and its predecessors) since 1967. Since 2000, the company has focused on renewable energy. Its subsidiary, NaiKun Wind Development Inc., is engaged in the development of a major offshore wind project off the coast of British Columbia in an area known as the Haida Energy Field. Interested parties are invited to visit the company's website at www.naikun.ca.
