Among the concerns raised by those questioning plans for massive wind farms on the province’s southwest coast is what happens to the massive wind turbines when they reach the end of their life.
Premier Andrew Furey says part of any agreement reached will assurances that used parts are disposed of properly and that the infrastructure is maintained.
According to international reports, scientists at Michigan State University are creating a new type of resin for wind turbine blades using glass fibre, and synthetic and plant-based polymers that can be broken down and turned into potassium lactate which is used in the production of jelly candies.
Premier Furey jokes that Newfoundland and Labrador could be on the verge of a gummy-bear industry.
He doesn’t foresee an end-of-life for wind projects since that is what will be needed moving forward, and built into any agreement signed that components are disposed of responsibly.
