Toronto, Ontario– Potentia Renewables Inc (“Potentia”) is proud to announce the official commercial operation of the Stirling Wind Project (the “Project”), located 45 kilometres southeast of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. The project was successful in obtaining a Renewable Electricity Program (“REP”) Round 2 contract with the Alberta Electric System Operator (“AESO”) in December 2018. The Project is owned in partnership between Potentia Renewables and the Paul First Nation. The 113-megawatt (“MW”) Project consists of 23 Siemens Gamesa 5.0 MW turbines and received an Alberta Utilities Commission (“AUC”) approval in April 2019.
The Project will connect to Alberta’s electrical grid through a newly constructed transmission from the Project’s Red Coat Substation along township road 72 to the existing AltaLink transmission line along Range Road 129. The Project will generate more than 400,000 MWh of clean, reliable electricity each year, which is enough to power more than 54,000 Alberta homes.
This Project used several local businesses for goods and services during the development and construction process, including surveying, local accommodations, waste management, welding, material supply, and more. During construction, the Project created approximately 150 jobs with an estimated 200,000 person-hours on site. The Project will continue to be an economic driver for the region, creating the equivalent of 4 fulltime jobs, providing significant tax revenue and $25, 000 a year in community funding to be distributed to the local municipalities.
“I am thrilled to announce the commercial operation of the Stirling Wind Project. Thank you to our excellent project contractors, SkyFlo, McCallum Environmental Ltd and Bear Tracks Environmental Services—for making this project a reality. I also want to thank our project partners, the Paul First Nation for their contributions to the successful completion of the project. We are pleased to be working together with them to advance the energy transition.”
Ben Greenhouse, CEO Potentia Renewables
“The Paul First Nation is proud to be partners with Potentia Renewables Inc. on the Stirling Wind Project. The project will bring clean, emissions-free energy to the grid in a way that honours the land and the environment. By harnessing the wind’s power, we are setting an example for future generations, ensuring we walk forward in balance with the land”.
Chief Casey Bird, Paul First Nation