Alberta transmission facility owner AltaLink has energized the 123km South Foothills transmission project.
The 240kV line between Fort Macleod and High River will carry wind energy from southern Alberta to the Calgary area, said AltaLink president and CEO Scott Thon.
“With the completion of South Foothills transmission project on time and on budget, we have removed a significant barrier to bringing wind energy from where it’s generated to where it’s needed,” said Thon.
The South Foothills project is part of the Southern Alberta Transmission Reinforcement (SATR) area transmission development.
“In addition, we are currently consulting on a project in Southern Alberta that will provide considerable additional system capacity for wind producers,” said Thon.
AltaLink expects to file a facility application for the Chapel Rock to Castle Rock Ridge line in the fourth quarter of this year.
As well, the company expects to complete the Blackie area 138kV transmission project in 2016 and wrap up construction of the Medicine Hat line in 2017.
Wind farm construction in Alberta has slowed in recent years, stymied by low power prices and a deregulated merchant market. However a new provincial government is expected to unveil plans in the coming weeks to accelerate renewable energy growth.
Image: (AltaLink)
