Mar 23 2010
Pattern Energy Group has signed a 27-year contract with Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board for the sale of power produced from the under-construction 138-MW St. Joseph Windfarm located in southern Manitoba.
Chief Executive Officer of Pattern Energy, Mike Garland, commented that the company is delighted with the partnership with Manitoba Hydro and happy to develop and operate one of Canada’s largest wind farms, St. Joseph Windfarm. Garland said that the world-class wind farm is located in an area with good wind resources. In the last eight months, the company has added more than 500 MW of premium wind projects that are either in operation or under construction. The company is also developing over 4,000 MW of wind projects in the United States and Canada, Garland said.
During its construction phase, between 200 and 225 jobs are expected to be created by the St. Joseph Windfarm. The wind project will provide permanent jobs to about 15 people. The local community is expected to be benefited by millions of dollars through property taxes from the wind project over its life time. About 75% of the revenue will be utilized for education and the balance 25% will go to the host communities.
St. Joseph Windfarm will comprise 60 Siemens SWT-2.3 MW turbines. The project for which the construction has begun by Mortenson Canada is scheduled to produce power by late 2010. A part of the project finance has been provided by Manitoba Hydro through a 20-year term/construction loan.
Source: http://www.patternenergy.com/