Enel sells minority stake in two Pincher Creek wind projects

EGP-NA's 76.2 MW Castle Rock Ridge wind farm in Pincher Creek, AB. Photo courtesy of Enel Green Power North America, Inc.

From press release - Enel S.p.A. (“Enel” or “the Group”), through its US renewables company Enel Green Power North America, Inc. (“EGPNA”), has signed a partnership agreement with Alberta Investment Management Corporation (“AIMCo”), whereby the Group will sell 49% of the shares in the 115 MW Riverview wind farm and in the 30.6 MW Phase 2 of Castle Rock Ridge wind farm, both to be built in Pincher Creek, Alberta. The total consideration for this transaction, which will be paid upon closing of the deal, will be determined at commercial operation of the wind farm, expected by the end of 2019. Following the closing of the transaction, EGPNA will manage, operate and perform asset maintenance activities at both wind farms while retaining a 51% majority ownership of the interest in the projects. 

Enel awarded two 20-year Renewable Energy Support Agreements for Pincher wind farms

EGP-NA's 76.2 MW Castle Rock Ridge wind farm in Pincher Creek, AB. Photo courtesy of Enel Green Power North America, Inc.

Chris Davis - On December 13 the Government of Alberta announced the results of the first round of the Renewable Energy Program, which is part of Alberta's Climate Leadership Plan. Three companies were successful in their record low bids to provide renewable energy to Alberta consumers. Enel Green Power North American (EGPNA) has been awarded two 20-year Renewable Energy Support Agreements (RESAs) for 146 MW of new wind capacity at wind farm developments located north and east of Pincher Station, expected to generate around 555 GWh per year. Capital Power will build a 201-megawatt wind project 60 kilometres southwest of Medicine Hat. EDP Renewables Canada Ltd. will build a 248-megawatt wind farm east of Hanna. According to an EGPNA press release, overall investment in the two Pincher Creek wind farms will amount to approximately 170 million US dollars, which is approximately 218 million Canadian dollars at today's exchange rate. The Government of Alberta anticipates the creation of approximately 740 jobs related to the four  projects.

MD of Pincher Creek approves McLachlin Wind Farm rezoning

AltaLink graphic illustrating location of McLaughlin Wind Farm and proposed/existing connections (Dec. 2015)

Chris Davis - At their August 22 meeting council for the MD of Pincher Creek passed a land use bylaw amendment requested by Renewable Energy Services Ltd. "to allow for the expansion of the McLaughlin Wind Farm site to better accommodate turbine placement." The wind farm site is east of the Town of Pincher Creek in the Municipal District of Pincher Creek. Councillor Quentin Stevick removed himself from voting on the matter as he was not in attendance for the public hearing on the matter held Tuesday, July 11, 2017. No members of the public spoke to the issue and there were no written submissions received at the public hearing.

Apex Clean Energy to manage Ikea's Oldman 2 windfarm

Apex Clean Energy - Apex Clean Energy announced today a multiyear contract to operate an IKEA Canada wind project, Oldman 2, located near Pincher Creek in Alberta. Oldman 2 generates 46 megawatts of clean energy for the AESO market.

New windmills planned for Cowley Ridge

Cowley Ridge today

Chris Davis - At their regular meeting of May 23, 2017 council for the Municipal District of Pincher Creek No. 9 discussed a report from Planning and Development Director of Development and Community Services Roland Milligan regarding land use amendment bylaw 1275-17, which would allow for new wind power development on the decommissioned portion of the Cowley Ridge wind farm site. Cowley Ridge was Canada's first commercial wind site, and as Milligan pointed out, would be Canada's first re-powered commercial wind site. The site was decommissioned last year after 23 years of operation and 57 turbines were removes, having passed their 20-year design lifespan. TransAlta Corporation submitted an application to amend the land use bylaw. TransAlta wants repower the site with 5 to 7 larger turbines with a combined generation capacity up 20 MW. The total output for the site was 24.1 MW before it was decommissioned.

NextEra to buy Pincher Creek area windfarm

Chris Davis - NextEra Energy Canada, LP has agreed to buy a 97 turbine 291 megawatt (3 megawatts per turbine) wind farm project from Heritage Wind Farm Development. The project is to be located in the Summerview area of the Municipal District of Pincher Creek No. 9.  The project was originally approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) in 2011, and the approval was renewed in 2014. The deal is due to close around November 30 of this year, and is subject to regulatory approval.  Construction is anticipated to be completed by December 2017.

Welsch Wind Farm open house held in Pincher Creek

Map of Welsch Wind Farm Project (courtesy WWPI)

Christian Davis - An open house was held in Pincher Creek on Tuesday, September 2 regarding the Welsch Wind Farm project. The event was hosted by project partners Stantec and Enercon Canada Inc. AltaLink representatives were also present at the open house. The 69 MW project is being developed by Welsch Wind Power Inc. (WWPI) approximately 13 kilometres (km) northeast of Pincher Creek.  Currently 26 turbine locations have been permitted by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) for the project, but the new proposal is for an amendment for 18 turbines of a larger and more modern design instead.

Pincher Creek crew wins first Western Canada Wind Warrior Challenge

Toni Lucas

Vestas held the first annual Western Canada Wind Warrior Challenge in the parking lot of Ranchland Mall in Pincher Creek on Saturday, July 18. Vestas Canadian Wind Technology produces and operates wind turbines. The all-day event saw 6 two-man teams move between five stations where they were tested and marked on their abilities. Each station was judged out of 20 points and Pincher Creek was the overall winners with a whopping 93 points out of a hundred.

Vestas and Mammoet participants

Livingstone Landowners Group asks Premier Notley to reconsider $500M infrastructure project

Power infrastructure near Pincher Creek (Photo 18 May 2015)

Livingstone Landowners Group press release

1. The Livingstone Landowners Group (LLG) does not endorse any AltaLink route proposals, as we are not proponents of a new power line in the area.
2. Given the values at stake and recent changes in the electric energy sector, LLG has requested the Premier of Alberta to re-evaluate the need for this proposed line and consider whether it should be deferred or cancelled.
3. The cost of proposed line has ballooned from original estimate 7 years ago of $189 million to somewhere between $350 and $750 million now. The line will be paid for by Albertans and Alberta businesses through increases to electricity bills - a high price to pay for something that, based on the original assumptions, is now unnecessary.
4. The LLG engaged a recognized engineering expert and has provided AESO with two alternatives that are one fifth of the cost and would have minimal environmental impact.
5. The South Saskatchewan Regional Plan (SSRP) sets clear direction that new development should minimize landscape fragmentation and be concentrated in existing developed areas. The LLG supports this policy direction.

Siemens expands wind power presence to western Canada with IKEA / Oldman 2 deal

• Project developed, built and operated by Mainstream Renewable Power and owned by IKEA Canada

Siemens Canada press release

Siemens Canada has expanded its wind power footprint in Canada to the Province of Alberta via an agreement for Mainstream Renewable Power's Oldman 2 wind project.

The deal will see Siemens supply, deliver and commission 20 SWT-2.3-101 wind turbines with a hub height of 80 metres and blade length of 49 metres. Mainstream is currently building the wind farm and will operate it for its lifecycle.

The deal also includes a long-term service and maintenance agreement to be fulfilled by Siemens. The project is wholly owned by IKEA Canada, making it the largest wind farm owned by a Canadian retailer.

Pincher Creek wind farm to make IKEA largest retail wind energy investor in Canada

IKEA Canada press release

• IKEA Canada to generate more than double its own total energy consumption

IKEA Canada announced today that they have purchased a 46 megawatt (MW) wind farm in Pincher Creek, Alberta.

The 20-turbine wind farm will be the largest owned by a Canadian retailer and is expected to generate 161 gigawatt hours (GWh) each year, which is more than double the total energy consumption of IKEA Canada.

The project is currently being constructed by global wind and solar company Mainstream Renewable Power and is expected to be fully operational in the autumn of 2014.