TransAlta to expand New Brunswick wind power operation by 54 megawatts

Under the agreement, TransAlta will expand its existing 96 MW Kent Hills wind farm which began commercial operations in December 2008. While terms of the agreement are confidential, the capital cost of the project is estimated to be $100 million. The wind energy project is subject to regulatory and environmental approvals and is expected to begin commercial operations by the end of 2010.

"We are pleased to have been awarded another long-term PPA with New Brunswick Power, and continue our strong relationship with them," said Steve Snyder, TransAlta’s President and CEO. "With the completion of the Kent Hills expansion next year, we will have over 1,000 MW of wind power and over 2,000 MW of renewable energy in operation across Canada and the United States."

The 18 wind turbine expansion will be located just south of the current Kent Hills wind facility which is southwest of Moncton, NB. The facility will use V90-3.0 MW wind turbines purchased from Vestas. TransAlta expects construction to commence in early 2010 and the facility to be in service by the end of 2010. Once complete, the facility is expected to provide 160,000 megawatt hours per year, enough electricity to meet the needs of approximately 9,000 homes.

TransAlta will work with local firms for the construction and ongoing operation of the Kent Hills wind farm providing long-term economic benefits to the region.

Natural Forces Technologies Inc. (NFT), a local Atlantic Canada wind developer, is TransAlta’s co-developer in the Kent Hills expansion project. Upon completion of the expansion project, NFT will have the option to purchase a 17 per cent interest in the new operating facility. In 2009, NFT purchased a 17 per cent interest in TransAlta’s existing Kent Hills wind farm.

TransAlta is a power generation and wholesale marketing company focused on creating long-term shareholder value. TransAlta maintains a low-to-moderate risk profile by operating a highly contracted portfolio of assets in Canada, the United States and Australia.

TransAlta’s focus is to efficiently operate our biomass, geothermal, wind energy, hydro, natural gas and coal facilities in order to provide our customers with a reliable, low-cost source of power. For nearly 100 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud contributor to the communities where we work and live. TransAlta is recognized for its leadership on sustainability by the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index, the FTSE4Good Index and the Jantzi Social Index.

www.transalta.com/