The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) congratulates Berkshire Hathaway Energy Canada (BHE) for its announcement today (10/15) of a new wind farm that will be supported by a corporate power purchase agreement for the Rattlesnake Ridge Wind Project. BHE Canada has partnered with Renewable Energy Systems (RES) for the development, construction and asset management services for the project. Rattlesnake Ridge, which will provide the majority of its energy output to a large Canadian corporate partner through a power purchase agreement, demonstrates the incredible opportunities provided by Alberta's wind energy resource and unique market structure.
Located near Medicine Hat, the 117.6 MW capacity Rattlesnake Ridge Wind Project comes online in December 2021. The project will not only provide the off-taker with a majority of the facility's low cost energy, but will also provide the surrounding communities with increased property tax revenues and participating landowners with generous lease payments.
This announcement launches a new chapter in wind energy development in Alberta. Rattlesnake Ridge represents the largest wind energy procurement by a non-utility customer in Canada, demonstrating the significant potential for such agreements in Alberta with its strong wind resource, unique energy only market and emerging opportunities associated with the application of carbon levies on large industrial emitters.
Quotes
"Alberta's unique combination of wind resource, open market structure and emerging climate policy make it possible to secure low-cost power for the Alberta grid. That in turn provides an incredible opportunity for significant investments in the wind energy industry while also presenting Albertans with diverse economic opportunities."
- Robert Hornung, President, CanWEA
"Today's announcement from Berkshire Hathaway Energy Canada demonstrates that Alberta remains the country's most exciting jurisdiction for wind energy development. Between the province's tremendous wind energy resource and the unique energy market structure, it is clear that Alberta will continue to provide opportunity for communities, landowners and ratepayers, who expect low cost reliable electricity. We expect that this will drive further development as companies invest in Alberta to benefit from a competitive electricity sector."
- Evan Wilson, Regional Director - Prairies, CanWEA
Background
- Vision: A Wind Energy Vision for Canada
- Current Status: Wind Energy in Canada
- Blog: Wind Energy Destined to Become Immune to Partisan Politics
- Event: Electricity Transformation Canada, November 10-12, 2020, Toronto, Ontario
About the Canadian Wind Energy Association
CanWEA is the voice of Canada's wind energy industry, actively promoting the responsible and sustainable growth of wind energy. A national non-profit association, CanWEA serves as Canada's leading source of credible information about wind energy and its social, economic and environmental benefits. Join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Learn more at canwea.ca.
Contact:
Anastasia Smolentseva, Communications Advisor
Canadian Wind Energy Association
613-857-3359
anastasiasmolentseva@canwea.ca
For more information
400-240 rue Bank Street
Ottawa Ontario
Canada K2P 1X4
www.canwea.ca
