The wind farm currently has eight V 47 wind turbines in operation. The expansion will see that number double to sixteen.

The North Cape Wind Farm supplies two per cent of the province's electricity needs. The expansion will double the energy supply from the site. Future plans could include expanding the province's energy supply from wind to ten per cent by 2010, though not necessarily all from the North Cape Wind Farm.

The open house is an opportunity for interested parties to see and discuss the plans for the wind farm expansion. The open house is a required part of the environmental review which must take place prior to the proposed expansion. But Development and Technology Minister Mike Currie says the review is also a good chance to assure the community has all the information it needs on the project.

"Part of the great success of the Wind Farm has been our excellent relationship with the community. We want to make sure that relationship continues by keeping people in the area fully informed of our plans for expansion," said Minister Mike Currie.

The public information session will take place Thursday, July 31, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Atlantic Wind Test Site in North Cape.

Prior to the public information session, the Environmental Registration will be available at the following sites: Access PEI in Tignish and the PEI Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment, fourth floor, 11 Kent Street, Charlottetown. The Environmental Registration describes the details of the proposed project.

Members of the public may provide written comments on the project for a period of up to ten days following the information session. Comments should be addressed to Mr. Mark Victor, Coordinator, Environmental Assessment Section, Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment, PO Box 2000, Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8.