Jan 18 2010
Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) has granted approval to Greengate Power Corporation for the construction and operation of its Halkirk I Wind Project. The company has scheduled to commence operations of the facility during the first quarter of 2011. The construction of the project is expected to begin during later part of the year 2010.
Greengate Power Corporation had filed an application seeking approval for the Halkirk I Wind Project to the Alberta Utilities Commission in February 2009. Alberta Utilities Commission after conducting detailed review of the project including its environmental impact, visual and noise impacts, its impact on pipelines, granted the approval to the company. The commission also ensured that the project satisfied all the regulatory requirements.
The Halkirk I Wind Project will be capable of generating 150 MW of power when completed and will be the largest wind energy project in Alberta. The facility is located near the village of Halkirk in Central Alberta in the County of Paintearth, which is about 275 km northeast of Calgary.
Dan Balaban, President and CEO of Greengate, said the company is delighted to have received the regulatory approval from the Alberta Utilities Commission for the Halkirk I Wind Project. He commented that the company expects to begin construction for the project during later part of the year 2010 with the important approval in hand.
This wind energy project will also provide significant economic benefits in the region such as creating new jobs, royalties for the landowners, and increased tax revenues. The project will be capable of supplying power to about 50,000 homes from renewable source of energy while eliminating 300,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year. This reduction in emissions is equal to eliminating 60,000 cars from the roads in Alberta.
Source: www.greengatepower.com