TransAlta Renewables Inc. has completed a 17.25 MW expansion of its wind facility at Kent Hills in New Brunswick, bringing total generating capacity to 167 MW.
Under a 17-year power purchase agreement, New Brunswick Power receives energy for the province’s electricity grid, as well as renewable energy credits.
“Our partnership with New Brunswick Power reflects our commitment to customize every project to meet the unique needs of our customers,” states TransAlta Renewables’ president, John Kousinioris. “We value the close collaboration with our customer and with our stakeholders, which was the cornerstone of our first Kent Hills wind project in 2008 and remains with this expansion to the original wind facility.”
As part of the development and regulatory approval process, TransAlta Renewables worked with the government; neighboring indigenous communities, Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Inc. and Fort Folly First Nation; and local stakeholder groups, such as the Snowmobilers Association.
The Kent Hills 3 expansion is located on approximately 20 acres of Crown land and consists of five Vestas V126 turbines. Kent Hills is sited about 55 kilometers southwest of Moncton, located in the southeastern section of Elgin Parish in Albert County. Natural Forces Technologies Inc. co-developed and co-owns the wind farm with TransAlta Renewables.
Construction began in April, meaning construction took just under six months.
