Crane manufacturer Manitowoc anticipates completing construction at EDF En Canada's Lac Alfred wind farm in October. The 300 MW project, located near the village of Amqui, Quebec, and consisting of 150 wind turbines, will be Canada's largest upon completion.
According to the company, four Manitowoc 16000s are lifting the top sections of the wind towers, the nacelles and the full rotors. The heaviest components the cranes are lifting are 79-ton nacelles, which need to be hoisted to the top of the 80-meter towers. For the Lac Alfred job, the cranes are configured with the 16000 wind attachment, which boosts capacity and increases maximum boom length to 90 meters. The 440-ton capacity Manitowoc 16000 offers a 96-meter boom when fully erected.
Project construction has not been without challenges, notes Manitowoc. The rough, mountainous terrain and frigid winter temperatures conspired to push back project schedules.
