InfraStructures - October 2005 - The Winds Of Change: RSC Helps Harness Clean Power In Saskatchewan

The Winds Of Change: RSC Helps Harness
Clean Power In Saskatchewan

Harnessing the power of the wind has become the world's fastest-growing source of electricity. Wind is an ideal energy solution for today: it is emission-free and infinitely sustainable, and it does not burn fuel, produce greenhouse gasses or create waste.

RSC Equipment Rental, a long-time leader in the North American rental equipment industry, is helping generate wind energy by supplying contractors with the equipment necessary to construct wind farms. Having proper equipment to build a wind farm is especially important given the amount of challenges there are in harvesting it.

Converting wind into electricity requires constructing immense, towering windmills in places that are naturally windy. That often means remote areas on high ground, creating unusual demands for contractors.

The largest wind farm in Canada is currently under construction 30 km southeast of Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Begun last fall, the project calls for 83 windmills with blades 42 m long. When completed, the site will generate enough electricity for the entire city of Regina.

"The problem is, it's in the middle of nowhere," said Tom Tedford, Territory Manager for RSC. "They had to build new roads just so the site was accessible for construction crews."

Tedford and RSC are working with Wilf's Oilfield Services to provide equipment at the hard-to-reach windmill site, including concrete vibrators, power plants and a portable office structure.

"RSC has really come through on this project, they have provided me with quality equipment and excellent service," said Brent Kern, owner and operator of Wilf's Oilfield Services. "I have rented from them before and received great service and I knew it wouldn't be different on the wind farm."

Although the site is located 180 km away from the nearest RSC store, Kern received customer service from RSC, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"It can be difficult working so far away from an RSC store," Kern continued. "But I knew if something broke down they would be willing to go the extra mile to fix it or provide me with another piece of equipment."

And in the case of a Saskatchewan wind farm, that can mean more than 160 extra kilometers.

Source: RSC Equipment Rental