A Halifax-based company is planning to spend $24 million to find the ideal locations to produce wind power in Nova Scotia. Renewable Energy Services Ltd. said Monday it will erect 18 to 20 wind turbines in Digby County, Guysborough County, Cape Breton, Halifax and the South Shore. The 65-metre high turbines will test for air density and the steadiness of the winds. "There's an optimal wind speed," the privately-owned company's chief executive Larry LeBlanc said. "You don't want too much you want wind with good density and it has to be predictable and sustained." Installation of the towers is expected to begin in the fall. Power generated during the field tests will be used in nearby areas. LeBlanc said the eventual goal is to generate about 750 gigawatt hours of power a year, enough to handle the needs of 38,000 homes. LeBlanc said the electricity will be sold initially to Nova Scotia Power, but the company may eventually get permission to market it directly to retail customers.