German turbine manufacturer Enercon proposes to install its new 4MW-platform turbine at a wind farm in Alberta in Canada.
The 69MW Welsch project near Pincher Creek will feature 13 E-126 EP4 4.2MW machines, as well as five E-101 E2 3.5MW units, Enercon told provincial regulators.
The manufacturer erected a prototype of the new turbine at Lelystad in the Netherlands last year.
Enercon acquired the Welsch project from Canadian outfit Eolectric Development in 2015.
The Alberta Utilities Commission in 2012 approved a 26-turbine design consisting of Enercon E-82 3MW and E-82 2MW machines.
Enercon has applied to switch turbine models and cut eight from the layout.
The revamped project optimizes capacity while reducing potential environmental, visual and noise impacts, said Enercon.
The company also requested a two-year construction permit extension to December 2018.
Written comments on the application may be submitted through 24 March.
Enercon plans to bid the Welsch project into Alberta’s upcoming 400MW call for renewable energy, the first step in the province’s plan to develop 5GW of new capacity by 2030.
A request for expressions of interest is expected to launch in late March with winners to be selected by the end of this year.
Image: Enercon E-126 turbine (Enercon)
