Ontario’s K2 wind power project begins operations

GODERICH, Ont.—Following 18 months of construction, one of Canada’s largest wind projects has reached commercial operation.

The K2 Wind Power Facility, owned and operated by Capital Power Corporation and Capital Power LP, Samsung Renewable Energy Inc. and Pattern Energy Group LP was ready to produce power at the end of May, 2015.

With 270 megawatts of capacity, K2 Wind is equal in size to the largest wind power facility in Ontario, and is expected to generate clean energy for approximately 100,000 Ontario homes annually. Located in the Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh in southwestern Ontario, K2 Wind is comprised of 140 Siemens 2.3 megawatt wind turbines and operates under a 20-year agreement with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO).

While under construction, K2 Wind was one of the largest infrastructure projects in Ontario. During the construction period, the project averaged over 300 workers on site and at peak construction, more than 500 workers were employed by the project.

“Along with Samsung and Capital Power, we are proud to develop one of the largest wind facilities in Canada, which was built using local workers and local materials, including turbine blades and towers manufactured in Ontario,” said Mike Garland, CEO of Pattern Energy.

The project’s 700 turbine tower sections were produced in Windsor by CS Wind and the 420 blades were built in Tillsonburg by Siemens. K2 Wind expects to have approximately 20 full-time operations and maintenance employees, along with an additional 10 seasonal positions.