Site preparation for a new $400 million wind farm near Tumbler Ridge is now underway.
Government officials joined Pattern Energy Group LP – a San Francisco-based wind energy company – in announcing the project January 20.
Once built, the wind farm, which will see 61 wind turbines built, will have a generating capacity of 185 megawatts – enough electricity to power an estimated 54,000 homes.
The B.C. government estimates the project will generate 175 jobs during construction and nine full-time jobs once in operation.
In addition to the wind turbines, the project also includes the construction of new connecting roads, a substation and a four-kilometre transmission line that will connect the system to BC Hydro’s grid.
The Meikle Wind Energy Project will be B.C.’s fifth large wind farm, but in terms of generating capacity, will be the largest to date.
"Today is an exciting day for the clean energy sector in British Columbia,” Paul Kariya, executive director for the Clean Energy BC, said in a press release.
“By employing 175 workers on-site throughout the project's construction and producing the power equivalent of 54,000 homes, the Meikle Wind Project is an example of the clean energy sector enabling
economic development in the province through cost effective, clean power.”
