Wind Energy

Enercon to supply wind turbines for TransAlta’s wind energy project in Quebec

Commercial operations at the wind power project are expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2012. TransAlta will expand its presence in Quebec with a 66-megawatt wind farm on the Gaspe Peninsula expected to cost about $205-million. "As a part of our wind energy growth strategy, the addition of the New Richmond wind farm will increase our wind power portfolio to 1,139 MW," said Steve Snyder, President and CEO. "Building our presence in a key market such as Quebec is an important part of our goal to enhance shareholder value, as well as strengthen our position as the premier wind power generator in Canada."

The decree for New Richmond was issued by the Quebec government allowing TransAlta to begin pre-construction work in April. The decree also allows TransAlta to pursue the necessary certificates of approval from various provincial ministries. TransAlta estimated the wind farm will produce enough wind energy to power about 10,500 homes and will create about 100 jobs during construction.

“We appreciate the relationships we have built with the municipalities of New Richmond, St-Alphonse and Caplan, in which the wind turbines will be installed, and look forward to playing a part in the long-term sustainability of these communities,” said Mr. Snyder.

The Gaspe Peninsula has been hit with high unemployment in recent years. Once completed, the New Richmond wind farm is expected to generate about 100 jobs during the development and construction phases. TransAlta currently operates one wind farm in Quebec, the 99 MW Le Nordais wind energy facility, also located on the Gaspé Peninsula. TransAlta is a power generation and wholesale marketing company that operates biomass, geothermal energy, wind power, hydro, natural gas and coal facilities in Canada, the United States and Australia.

www.transalta.com