EDF EN Canada Inc., a subsidiary of EDF Energies Nouvelles, and Enbridge Inc. dedicated the $600 million, 300 MW Blackspring Ridge Wind Project July 15. Located in Vulcan County, Alberta, the project is the largest investment in wind energy in Western Canada.
Construction of the 166 turbine project commenced in May 2013 and reached commercial operation twelve months later in May 2014. Mortenson Canada served as the construction contractor.
“The Blackspring Ridge project is a joint effort between industry and government that demonstrates Alberta’s commitment to renewable energy development,” said Alberta Energy Minister Diana McQueen. “The Government of Alberta is proud to support state-of-the-art projects, like Blackspring Ridge, as we work together to green the grid in Alberta.”
Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) generated from the project are contracted to Pacific Gas and Electric under a 20-year purchase agreement. The electricity will be sold into the Alberta power pool.
The Alberta-based Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation has committed $10 million in support of the project. The CCEMC provides funding for projects that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help Alberta adapt to climate change.
Since October 2012, EDF EN Canada and Enbridge have also commissioned three jointly-owned wind projects in Quebec: Saint-Robert-Bellarmin (80 MW), Massif du Sud (150 MW), and Lac-Alfred (300 MW). By the end of 2015, EDF EN Canada will have placed into service 1,374 MW of wind and solar in Canada and created employment opportunities for over 1,000 people in the development and construction phase.
Enbridge owns over 1,350 MW of net capacity in renewable and alternative energy and is a leader in this field as the largest solar energy generator and the second largest wind power generator in Canada.