EDF Renewables Canada has completed its 247MW Cypress 1 & 2 Wind Project in Cypress County south-east of Medicine Hat, Alberta.
The sites’ 48 turbines will produce enough electricity to power the equivalent of 120,000 homes.
“The completion and commissioning of the Cypress 1 & 2 Wind Project is a significant milestone for EDF Renewables Canada and our partners, representing a total investment of $365m,” said executive vice president with EDF Renewables North America Ryan Pfaff.
“What we are most proud of is the collaborative nature of this project from our first equity partnership with the Kainai/Blood Tribe and securing approvals and support from every level of government – an achievement attained by forging sustainable relationships with landowners, the broader project community, host municipality and the Kainai/Blood Tribe.”
The project is owned in partnership by EDF Renewables Canada (37.5%), the Kainai/Blood Tribe (25%) and Desjardins Group Pension Plan and DGAM Global Private Infrastructure Fund II L.P. (together “Desjardins”) (37.5%).
“The Cypress 1 & 2 Wind Project is situated on the traditional territory of the Kainai/Blood Tribe, and we are proud to be partnered on it with EDF and Indigena Capital,” said Chief Roy Fox, Kainai/Blood Tribe.
“Ensuring indigenous communities participate and benefit from economic development projects on their traditional territories, and beyond, is an important step toward breaking down barriers that stand in the way of achieving economic reconciliation.”
Infrastructure Asset Manager at Desjardins Global Asset Management Mathieu Thibaudeau added: “Desjardins has a long-standing relationship with EDF Renewables Canada as this is the fourth large-scale partnership we have entered into with the company.
“We view this renewable energy project as a great long-term investment for our clients.”
In 2018, EDF Renewables Canada signed a 20-year Renewable Electricity Support Agreement for Cypress 1 with the Alberta Electric System Operator of round 2 of the competitive procurement process for its Renewable Electricity Program.
In 2022, EDF Renewables Canada qualified for funding from the Canadian government through the Federal Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREP) for Cypress 2.
The SREP programme is designed to not only increase renewable energy capacity in Canada, but also increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in the energy sector.
Electricity generated by the 47MW Cypress 2 will be sold into the open Alberta electricity marketplace.
“The government of Canada is investing to deliver more affordable, reliable and clean power in every region of Canada,” said Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson.
“This federal investment in EDF’s Cypress 2 Wind Project will create jobs delivering power to communities across Alberta as we seize the economic opportunities of a low-carbon future.”
Minister of Workforce Development, and Official Languages Randy Boissonnault added: “Alongside our friends at EDF and the Kainai/Blood Tribe, the government of Canada is investing to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable power to Albertan homes and businesses.
“The Cypress 2 Wind Project is a great example of innovation and hard work coming together to deliver. Congratulations to all those involved in this job-creating clean power project.”
Minister of Affordability and Utilities Nathan Neudorf said: “This project marks a further step forward for Alberta in building a strong, reliable and affordable electricity system along our path to net zero emissions.
“It also builds on Alberta’s actions to ensure that economic activities benefit our province’s Indigenous and rural communities so they can continue to share in and contribute to our collective prosperity. We welcome this investment by EDF Renewables, along with those from other renewable energy developers, in helping bring affordable energy and increased economic opportunity to Alberta.”
Reeve of Cypress County Dan Hamilton added: “This new wind project is in line with Cypress County’s Municipal Development Plan, and one of many diverse business opportunities we’ve seen enter our region in recent years.
“We look forward to seeing EDF Renewables continue to work with the community in a positive way, developing renewable energy while also being accountable and listening to ratepayers.”