Project Details
The 150-megawatt (MW) Halkirk Wind Project is located near the town of Halkirk in central Alberta, 122 kilometres east of Red Deer.
Capital Power is building and will own and operate the facility, which is expected to be in commercial operation by the end of 2012. Once complete, the project will be Alberta' single largest wind project developed to date.
The energy generated at Halkirk will be sold into the Alberta spot market for electricity. In addition, Capital Power will sell Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) under terms of a 20-year fixed-price agreement.
RECs are the environmental attributes related to renewable power generation, and utilities in California can purchase RECs as a commodity that is separate from the energy associated with the RECs. Capital Power’s agreement with PG&E is for RECs only.
Capital Power and our general contractor, Renewable Energy Systems (RES) Canada Construction L.P., are fully committed to building the project safely and in a manner that respects the environment and values of the community.
Equipment
The Halkirk Wind Project consists of 83 turbines supplied by Vestas-Canadian Wind Technology Inc., the same technology to be used by Capital Power at its Quality Wind Project in British Columbia and its Port Dover & Nanticoke Project in Ontario.
Foundations for the turbines are currently being constructed. Once the foundation pads are complete, the turbine components are expected to be moved on-site in July for installation from their present storage areas located in Hardisty and Wilson Siding in Alberta, and in Thunder Bay in Ontario.
Each of the Vestas V-90 1.8 MW turbines consists of a number of large components: four tower sections, one nacelle, one hub and three blades. Once erected, the turbines will sit atop 80 metre high towers and the rotor blades will have a diameter of 90 metres.
Safety
Capital Power and RES are working closely with the County of Paintearth to ensure minimal disruptions to traffic flow and the safe movement of construction traffic on county roads.
Consultation
Community input is helping us develop a project that us both environmentally sound and respectful of the values and interests of the local community. Capital Power is committed to working closely with local landowners, stakeholders, First Nations, and the County of Paintearth throughout the ongoing development and operation of the facility.
Construction Timeline approximate
March 2012
ATCO begins work on substation
April 2012
Excavation of the first foundation begins early April.
Batch plant set up to produce cement for the foundations in laydown area
Road work continues
May 2012
Collector system construction
July – October 2012
Turbine components begin arriving on site and installation begins
December 2012
Commercial operation
Additional information about the Halkirk Wind Project can be found in the project’s newsletter.
Last updated: April 24, 2012