Berkshire Hathaway Energy subsidiary BHE Canada is planning to build an almost 118MW wind farm in the Canadian province of Alberta.
The company expects to start construction of the 117.6MW Rattlesnake Ridge development next year, having signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with an unnamed “large Canadian corporate partner” for most of the 475 gigawatt-hours a year output.
BHE Canada has financed the 28-turbine Rattlesnake Ridge through a combination of equity and debt totalling over $200m.
RES is developing the project and will also provide construction and asset management services.
Rattlesnake Ridge is expected to provide approximately 150 jobs at peak construction during the 18-month build schedule and is scheduled to come online in December 2021.
BHE Canada vice president of corporate development William Christensen said: “The Rattlesnake Ridge wind project is a leader in the development of new grid-scale wind generation in Alberta, being constructed and operated without government subsidies.
“BHE Canada is excited to take this first step into the Alberta market, providing low-cost, renewable energy.
“We’re looking forward to more opportunities to invest in Alberta’s energy industry.”
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said: “Alberta is proud to be home to so many great innovators and entrepreneurs who see the opportunity that exists when people choose to invest and create jobs here.
“This exciting new energy project will add to Alberta’s impressive renewable energy network, and is a vote of confidence in our economy.
“Even more encouraging is that this $200m project does not rely on government subsidies, but instead relies on the potential and opportunity that exists right here in Alberta.”
RES in the Americas chief executive Graham Reid said: “RES is delighted to partner with BHE Canada to leverage our expertise and experience to bear in delivering clean renewable power to Alberta.”
BHE Canada and RES have also permitted the 398.5MW Forty Mile wind farm in the county of 40 Mile in southeastern Alberta and are looking for partners to sign long-term PPAs for the output.