Samsung, CC&L break ground on Windsor Solar project
by Canadian Manufacturing.com Staff
Scheduled for completion in the fall of 2016, Windsor Solar is forecast to offset approximately 81,000 tonnes of CO2 each year
WINDSOR, Ont.—Samsung Renewable Energy, Inc. and Connor, Clark & Lunn Infrastructure (CC&L Infrastructure) have broken ground on the Windsor Solar project.
The 50 megawatt (MW) solar project will use Ontario-made panels and inverters to generate clean, renewable energy equal to the needs of approximately 8,500 Ontario homes each year.
“I am delighted to welcome a project that not only brings a green energy investment to the airport lands but additional revenue to the city as well,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens. “The Windsor Solar Project is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when government and the private sector work together.”
Workers and subcontractors from across Southwestern Ontario will be involved in every aspect of the Windsor Solar project—from manufacture and assembly of the panels and inverters to site construction, installation work and project operations. Windsor Solar will use about 193,000 solar panels from Canadian Solar in London and solar inverters from SMA America.
“Samsung is thankful to become part of this supportive community in Windsor and is proud to start construction on our third Ontario solar energy project,” said Mr. Steve Cho, vice-president, Samsung C&T. “The Windsor solar project will create hundreds of high-skilled jobs that will benefit real people in this community.”
There will be approximately 225 workers in total on-site throughout project construction and 175 workers during peak construction periods. Local subcontractors will be involved in various aspects of project construction.
“Connor, Clark & Lunn Infrastructure is pleased to be participating in this significant solar project, the third such initiative in the province between Samsung and CC&L Infrastructure, added Matt O’Brien, President of CC&L Infrastructure.
Scheduled for completion in the fall of 2016, The City of Windsor said in a press release that Windsor Solar will offset approximately 81,000 tonnes of CO2 each year, the equivalent of taking nearly 15,000 cars off the roads.
Over the course of its 20-year power purchase agreement with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), the Windsor Solar project will support the local economy with more than $18 million in local investment, including significant funding for community initiatives, a contribution to a Community Vibrancy Fund, and taxes paid to the local municipality.
