Alberta now ranks third among Canadian provinces for installed wind energy capacity and a new project near the south eastern town of Oyen will add to the grid.
San Francisco-based Pattern Energy Group LP (Pattern) has started construction of its Lanfine Wind power project. The 150 megawatt (MW) field, which will provide enough energy to power approximately 25,000 homes in Alberta annually, is expected to enter full commercial operation by the end of 2022.
“The Lanfine Wind project is bringing substantial economic and environmental benefits to Alberta by creating hundreds of new jobs, generating millions in revenue locally, and establishing strong community benefits,” said Mike Garland, CEO of Pattern Energy. “We are thrilled to be expanding into Alberta and look forward to growing our footprint in the province, as we continue to expand our portfolio of renewable facilities across Canada.”
Pattern already has 11 wind energy projects in operation across five provinces.
The Lanfine Wind project will utilize 35 turbines, delivered in 4.3 MW operating mode. It will be located to the south and west of Oyen, close to the larger Sharp Hills wind farm, by EDPR Renewables, which joined the Alberta power grid in 2020.
According to the Alberta government, the province now has 38 wind farms with a capacity of nearly 1,800 MW , more than double the capacity of 10 years ago,
Lanfine Wind represents a projected investment of roughly $350 million in Alberta and will generate up to 200 construction jobs. In addition to employment and contracting opportunities, Lanfine Wind will generate landowner revenue and provide tax revenue to the local community, according to a company release.
