230-MW wind project slated for Ontario receives provincial approval
by Cleantech Canada Staff
Niagara Region Wind Corp.'s wind project received renewable energy approval permit, according to company
TORONTO—A company hoping to build a 230-megawatt wind energy development in Ontario’s Niagara said it has received approval from the province to proceed with the project.
Niagara Region Wind Corp. (NRWC), a partnership between Renewable Energy Business Ltd. and Daniels Power Corp., said Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change issued a renewable energy approval permit for the 230-megawatt wind project in the Niagara region and adjacent Haldimand County in southwestern Ontario.
The project would have an installed capacity of 230 megawatts, enough to power more than 75,000 Ontario homes.
“We are delighted and proud to have achieved this milestone for our wind farm project,” NRWC chief executive Merv Croghan said in a release from the company. “This is the result of tremendous work from our professional team and the intense and ongoing consultations with the community, municipal, regional and provincial governments and as a result of provincial programs and policies that enable wind energy development,” said Croghan.
NRWC received a Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) contract for the project in February 2011, and has been working since then to meet regulations and receive approval to proceed with construction.
The company claims the project will create more than 700 jobs during construction alone, sourcing $130 million of infrastructure locally.
NRWC did not provide a construction timeline or targeted in-service date.
“There is still much to do with this project before there are shovels in the ground,” said Robert Daniels, NRWC vice-president. “We will continue to consult on an ongoing going basis with all stakeholders in a transparent and open manner.”
Next steps for the project include finalizing designs, preparing for construction and hiring local skilled workers, according to the company.
With this approval, we are one step closer to helping the province of Ontario realize its commitment to a clean energy future,” said Daniels. “We are happy to be part of that mandate.”
