Saskatchewan’s environment ministry announced approval September 20 of the 177 megawatt Blue Hill Wind Energy Project, the first large-scale wind energy facility approved under the Environmental Assessment Act. Located south of Herbert, the windfarm will be developed and operated by Algonquin Power Co. (a subsidiary of Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.) and is expected to include up to 56 wind turbines.
The project site is located outside of the avoidance zones identified in the Wildlife Siting Guidelines for Saskatchewan Wind Energy Projects. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2019, with possible service as early as 2021.
The province’s strategy includes a target to reduce emissions from electrical power generation by 40 per cent by 2030, with a significant focus on wind energy. The Blue Hill Project will be the seventh privately developed wind power generation project in Saskatchewan.