Samsung Renewable Energy Inc. and Pattern Energy Group LP (Pattern Development) have announced that their 100 MW Belle River Wind power facility has completed construction and is now fully operational.
Belle River Wind, located in Lakeshore, Ontario, is expected to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 35,000 Ontario homes each year. The project operates under a 20-year power purchase agreement with the Independent Electricity System Operator.
Built with Ontario-made products, Belle River Wind provided jobs for more than 235 Ontario workers during construction and will provide 12 permanent positions during operations, the companies note. Towers for the 40 Siemens 3.2 MW wind turbines were made at CS Wind’s manufacturing facility in Windsor by using Ontario steel. The 120 turbine blades were manufactured in Tillsonburg.
According to the partners, the project is bringing to the community more than C$2.5 million in direct spending over 20 years in property taxes and landowner lease royalties. In addition, Belle River Wind committed C$6 million to the community of Lakeshore as part of a long-term Community Benefit Program. This includes an initial contribution of C$2 million and an annual contribution of $200,000 for the next 20 years.
“Pattern Development continues to grow in Canada. This is the fifth wind power facility we have completed in Ontario – and seventh across Canada – totaling nearly 1.3 GW of operational capacity in the country, and we expect another project to reach completion this year in Quebec,” says Mike Garland, CEO of Pattern Development. “Belle River Wind is making a significant positive impact locally by generating millions of dollars in landowner payments, community benefits and tax revenue for the community around Lakeshore and for the local schools.”
