SaskPower seeking partners to develop wind generation

SaskPower is taking the next steps in helping green the provincial electrical system. Under the Green Options Plan, the corporation is issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to procure up to 175 megawatts (MW) of wind power from one or more Independent Power Producers.

“Through the Green Options Plan and the Green Options Partners Program, SaskPower will more than double wind power production in Saskatchewan,” said Gary Wilkinson, vice-president, Planning, Environment and Regulatory Affairs. “Partnering with Independent Power Producers will allow SaskPower to continue to be a leader in the production of clean renewable energy while helping meet the electrical needs of the people of Saskatchewan.”

The RFQ will identify potential private sector partners with the interest and capability in helping meet Saskatchewan’s electrical supply needs. The closing date for the wind generation RFQ is February 19, 2010. Qualified proponents will then be invited to respond to a formal Request for Proposals in the spring.

In addition to the 175 MW of wind through the Green Options Plan, SaskPower will be adding additional wind generation through the Green Options Partners Program. SaskPower will purchase up to 50 MW of renewable power from private sector developers through this fixed-price program, with up to 25 MW of the total coming from wind power. The remainder will be generated through proven clean technologies, such as biomass, heat recovery or low impact hydro generation. Further information on the Green Options Partners Program will be available in January.

When the new wind generation is brought into service, wind power will make up about 8.5 per cent of SaskPower’s total generating capacity – among the highest percentages in the country.  The expansion of wind power will reduce the corporation’s carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 225,000 tonnes a year. Currently, the corporation has 172 MW of wind power on its system and has signed an agreement with an Independent Power Producer for another 25 MW to be in service in 2011.

SaskPower has been laying the foundation for the addition of more wind power by installing new natural gas generation in the province, which provides peak generating service to the provincial electrical system and serves as a backup to wind generation.

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