By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Oct. 19 -- A Canadian wind-power producer received $24.7 million (Can.) in financing from the Ministry of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) as the government reaffirmed its commitment to the wind-power industry.
Minister of Natural Resources Canada R. John Effort said his department invested in the Summerview Wind Farm near Pincher Creek, Alta. He spoke during the Canadian Wind Energy Association of Canada Conference in Montréal Monday.
"Wind power is part of our answer to climate change and represents significant opportunities for economic growth and new jobs. We want Canada to make the most of its tremendous potential to diversify its electricity generation," Effort said.
The Summerview Wind Farm, built by Calgary-based Vision Quest Windelectric Inc., has a 68.4 Mw capacity and represents the first phase of a 130-Mw project. Vision Quest Windelectric is an independent subsidiary of TransAlta Corp., Calgary.
During the 2001 budget process, NRCan established the Wind Power Production Incentive (WPPI) to encourage wind power during 5 years ending in March 2007. WPPI offers an incentive averaging 1¢/kw-hr of electricity generated from new wind farms.
The incentive covers about half of the extra cost of generating wind power in relation to conventional sources. WPPI has supported the construction of 13 wind farms in Canada.
