Independent power producer Northland Power Inc., the Aamjiwnaang First Nation and the Bkejwanong Territory (Walpole Island First Nation) announced today that the 100 MW Grand Bend Wind Farm achieved commercial operation on April 19.
As previously announced, the Ontario project, located near the eastern shore of Lake Huron, is a 50/50 partnership between Northland and Giiwedin Noodin FN Energy Corp., which was created to hold the equity interest of the Aamjiwnaang First Nation and Walpole Island First Nation in the project.
According to Northland Power, the Independent Electricity System Operator awarded the project a 20-year contract under Ontario’s feed-in tariff (FIT) program for renewable energy. The wind farm, consisting of 40 Siemens wind turbines, is expected to produce enough energy each year to power approximately 30,000 Ontario homes.
The company has asserted that Grand Bend is Northland’s second wind project completed under the Ontario FIT program. The 60 MW McLean’s Mountain Wind Farm on Manitoulin Island began operations in 2014 and is also a 50/50 partnership with local First Nations (the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising First Nations).
John Brace, Northland’s CEO, asserts that the project reached completion on budget and within the expected project schedule.
