Largest wind energy project in Alberta completed

MONTREAL -- Renewable Energy Systems Canada (RES Canada), has announced the completion of Halkirk Wind - the largest wind project in Alberta.

The $346 million project is located in central Alberta near the town of Halkirk and is expected to provide enough renewable energy to power 50,000 average Alberta homes.

Despite the sometimes challenging weather patterns of the prairies, RES Canada completed the project in 14 months, on budget and ahead of schedule.

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The project employed approximately 360 skilled workers on site for the civil and electrical works.

"The province has abundant wind resources, and we look forward to working on other projects like Halkirk, which will drive investment and create jobs," said Peter Clibbon, Vice President of Development for RES Canada.

The electricity generated by the Halkirk Wind project will be sold directly into the Alberta spot market, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company is purchasing the Renewable Energy Credits under a 20-year fixed-price agreement.

The 150MW project hosts 83 Vestas V90 1.8MW turbines and is owned by Capital Power LP, a subsidiary of Edmonton-based Capital Power Corporation.

RES Canada is also undertaking other projects in western Canada, including the MATL (Montana-Alberta Tie-Line), a 345 km high-voltage power line between Lethbridge, AB and Great Falls, MT.

The company also has 631MW of wind and 30MW of solar built or under construction in Canada, including the 270MW SouthKent Wind project, Ontario's largest wind farm.

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