Dec 11 2009
Greengate Power Corporation has signed a contribution agreement with the Canadian Government to fund its Halkirk I Wind Project. The funding will be provided under the ecoENERGY for Renewable Power program.
This facility will be the largest wind energy project in Alberta and will generate 150 MW of electricity. The project is located near the village of Halkirk in Central Alberta. This facility when completed will provide sustainable and clean source of power for about 50,000 homes. The project will also help to reduce 300,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year, which is almost equal to eliminating 60,000 cars from the Alberta’s roads.
Greengate has completed all the formalities required as per the guidelines of the Alberta Utilities Commission for starting the project. The company has finished its final round of consultations with the public recently and has no public objections pending with regard to the project. The construction of the project will begin in 2010 and is scheduled to be completed in first quarter of 2011. Natural Resources Canada will provide $10 per MWh for ten years for this project. The total funding commitment works out to approximately $46 million.
Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources, said that the support provided for the Halkirk I Wind Project shows the commitment of the government to increase the supply of renewable and clean energy for its citizens. Lisa Raitt added that this investment will help to create more green jobs and at the same reduce the cost of clean energy.
Dan Balaban, President and CEO of Greengate, said the company is grateful for the support from the Government of Canada under the ecoENERGY for Renewable Power program and hoped the government will continue to support such renewable energy projects in the future.