Developer Pattern Energy and Nigig Power have announced completion of the largest ‘single-phase’ wind power project in Canada, the 300MW Henvey Inlet.
The development, build around 87 Vestas 3.45MW turbines on Henvey Inlet First Nation land on the shores of Georgian Bay in the province of Ontario, is also the biggest-ever on-reserve development in the country.
“This landmark project is a first on many fronts: largest single-phase wind facility in Canada, largest on-reserve wind installation in the country, and the first to develop a First Nation environmental stewardship regime under the First Nations Lands Management Act,” said Pattern CEO Mike Garland.
“It’s an honor to partner with Henvey Inlet First Nation on this historic project that created hundreds of local jobs and is now providing a strong new source of revenue for the First Nation.
“Renewables are helping to reduce the impact on our environment caused by climate change and this new facility is now generating clean, homegrown energy for 100,000 homes each year without any harmful emissions.”
Greg Newton, CEO of Nigig Power, which is a owned and managed by the Henvey Inlet First Nation, said: “Now that construction is complete, we can begin to look forward to economic independence as a community. Our youth will see an even brighter future from expanding health and education services along with increased infrastructure.”
Henvey Inlet First Nation chief Wayne McQuabbie added:. “New infrastructure is under way in the First Nation as a result of this new facility and we see better days ahead. We've already increased our administrative staff and employees in the community and we look forward to ensuring a positive future for our upcoming generations, including economic spin offs and job security.”
The wind farm, which is connected to the provincial grid by a 104km transmission line, has a 20-year power purchase agreement with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) for 100% of production.
Pattern Energy earlier this month boosted its operating portfolio to 4.4GW after acquiring 251MW across two North American wind farms, including Henvey Inlet.
