CN makes hay in wind-turbine market
8/23/2022
By Jeff Stagl, Managing Editor
Traffic-growth potential is at high ebb for Class Is when it comes to transporting components for wind farms. Currently, there are about 87,000 wind turbines in the United States and 7,000 in Canada, according to the U.S. Department of Energy and Canadian Renewable Energy Association.
Over the past several years, CN has made strides in tapping that potential by moving a growing number of tower sections, blades, hubs, nacelles and other components, both for new wind farms and turbine maintenance. Since 2016, the railroad has registered more than 10,000 turbine units.
Wind-farm components are considered dimensional loads, or cargo that’s very tall, wide, heavy and uniquely shaped. For example, turbine blades typically measure over 200 feet long, 12 feet wide and 16 feet high.
The parts usually are moved in unit trains. Transporting the dimensional loads involves a complex process that requires strong planning, proper loading, lashing security, numerous inspections and safety procedures, CN officials said in an online post.
Vestas relies on CN to move many turbine parts in Canada and the United States. The Danish company manufactures, installs and services wind turbines. Vestas American Wind Technology All clearances along a planned route are measured from origin to destination, taking into account every curve, bridge and tunnel to ensure they can accommodate cargo dimensions.
Earlier this year, CN moved 11 unit trains of turbine components to Oyen, Alberta, for four new wind farms in southern Alberta. Each train pulled 40 to 70 rail cars.
San Francisco-based Pattern Energy Group LP is installing 35 wind turbines in Oyen that are expected to be fully operational by 2022’s end. Alberta now ranks third among provinces for wind energy capacity in Canada, which is home to more than 300 wind farms.
A CN team worked with multiple stakeholders to transport the cargo from several wind turbine manufacturers to Oyen. Working together, railroad and Oyen officials used township land at a logistics park to stage the oversized components, some of which stand 262 feet tall.
“We continue to support the development of wind farms, renewable energy and the clean economy [in Canada],” said Gaston Riquero, CN’s solutions manager-supply chain solutions, dimensional and wind energy.
So far this year, the railroad has moved 11 units trains of turbine components to Oyen, Alberta, where Pattern Energy Group LP is establishing four wind farms. CNOyen officials have appreciated the opportunity to work jointly with CN to accommodate the various unit trains of wind-farm components, said Doug Jones, the town’s mayor.
“The safe handling and success of this business is important to a small community such as Oyen,” he said. “We look forward to more of the future wind project components being handled by CN.”
The Class I’s other major wind-turbine customers include Vestas American Wind Technology and ENERCON Canada Inc. A Danish company that manufactures, installs and services wind turbines in North America, Vestas has maintained a partnership with CN for some time.
“They play a critical role in transporting our turbine components to continue to expand renewable energy across Alberta,” Vestas officials said.
ENERCON Canada also has noted a number of advantages from using rail in general, and CN in particular.
“The benefits … include increased transportation flexibility and avoiding challenges related to road construction and truck transport permits,” said Maria Jarkov, an ENERCON Canada general project manager.