The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Premier Gary Doer announced this week AirSource Power will invest $187 million to develop Manitoba's first wind farm near St. Leon, creating a new clean energy source and harvesting new economic opportunities for Manitoba. "AirSource Power and its partners should be congratulated for investing in Manitoba's first wind farm and developing a project that makes good business and good environmental sense," the premier said. "This initiative will help our province build on its affordable, clean energy advantage while creating new economic opportunities for the community of St. Leon and for all Manitobans." The 99-megawatt (MW) project, located in the rural municipalities of Lorne and Pembina near St. Leon, 150 kilometres southwest of Winnipeg, will make use of technology developed by Vestas Wind Systems. It will result in the installation of 63 wind turbine generators over two phases and on completion generate enough power to serve approximately 35,000 homes, or the total energy needs of Portage La Prairie and Morden combined. See 'Best' P.# Con't from P.# "By using cutting-edge technology and having arguably the best wind resource in Canada, we will be building one of the largest wind farms in North America," said David Kerr, director, AirSource Power Fund GP. "Wind power is the fastest growing energy source in the world and we look forward to a long and productive relationship with Manitobans." AirSource Power will sell wind-generated power to Manitoba Hydro as part of a 25-year agreement, providing the Crown corporation with an additional clean energy source to augment hydroelectric power. "This is an exciting project for Manitoba Hydro," said Vic Schroeder, chair, Manitoba Hydroelectric Board. "Adding another source of renewable energy, wind power, to our existing clean energy portfolio is a good choice." Construction of the wind farm, expected to be completed by the end of 2005, will result in the creation of about 280 direct and indirect jobs during construction and 25 direct and indirect operational jobs upon the project's completion. Along with $187 million capital investment in the project, AirSource plans to invest an additional $100 million in operating funds. As well, landowners in the St. Leon area will be paid more than $9 million over the next 25 years, providing producers a new revenue source. The province plans to develop up to 1,000 MW of wind over the next decade. The exact amount that will be integrated will depend on ongoing assessments. The province will also set aside approximately 50 MW to support the development of smaller wind projects. "Projects such as the wind farm will help rural communities harvest the positive winds of economic change by diversification that helps smooth the inevitable peaks and valleys of the traditional agricultural economy," the premier said.11/26/2004
