A 49.6 MW Tumbler Ridge Wind Energy Project of Finavera Wind Energy has secured an Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC). The certificate has been granted after reviewing the report of the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) in British Columbia.
The EAO report concluded that the Tumbler Ridge Wind Energy Project is not expected to have major adverse effects and satisfied the requirements of the EAC. The project started in the year, 2012. With the end of this environmental assessment process, the company can step forward towards the construction phase. Once the $125-million project is completed, the facility will produce sufficient electricity to power about 18,000 homes.
The award of EAC signifies the final phase of the development process. The next stages are executing a turbine supply agreement, choosing a construction contractor, receiving project financing and starting construction work.
Jason Bak, CEO of Finavera Wind Energy, stated that the environmental approval of the Tumbler Ridge Wind Energy Project is a major milestone for the company as well as for its project portfolio in British Columbia. Bak also remarked that they look forward to complete the other three wind energy projects successfully. The company has also planned for an advanced wind energy project in North America.
In March 2010, Finavera signed 25-year power purchase agreements (PPAs) with BC Hydro for the 60 MW Bullmoose, 117 MW Meikle, 77 MW Wildmare and 47 MW Tumbler Ridge wind energy projects.