Saskatchewan has rejected Algonquin Power’s 177MW Chaplin wind farm over fears it would harm birdlife.
“Ultimately, there were potential negative impacts to birds and migratory corridors, as well as other risks, that led us to conclude this is not an appropriate location for a wind energy project,” said provincial energy minister Scott Moe.
Algonquin had proposed to build up to 79 turbines on a 19,000-hectare site, about 155km west of Regina. It is located between several nationally and globally recognized International Bird Areas.
The developer had been looking at potential reconfigurations to be more sensitive to some of the project’s environmental impacts.
Algonquin was awarded a 25-year power purchase agreement in 2012 after 15 independent power producers answered utility SaskPower’s call for wind energy. Development was held up by permitting delays.
The Chaplin scheme was the first wind project to undergo a provincial environmental impact assessment.
Despite the decision, Saskatchewan plans to continue pursuing renewable energy in the province.
“The government will continue to move forward with green energy, with a goal of 50% of power generation from renewable energy sources by 2030,” said Moe.
Utility SaskPower has set a target for wind to contribute 30% of total capacity by 2030. The company expects to kick off procurement before year-end for 100MW to 200MW of new wind capacity.
Image: Red Lily wind farm in Saskatchewan (Algonquin)
