Released on October 28, 2009
SaskPower is launching two new programs that will enable the corporation to more than double wind power production in the province and remain among the leaders in wind generation in Canada. The Green Options Plan and the Green Options Partners Program will add another 200 megawatts (MW) of wind power to SaskPower's generation capacity.
"As our government announced in the Throne Speech last week, we are making a significant commitment to increased wind power in Saskatchewan," Minister responsible for SaskPower Bill Boyd said. "These programs will enable SaskPower to continue to lead in the production of clean renewable energy that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help ensure Saskatchewan has a sustainable supply of electricity for many years to come."
Under the Green Options Plan, SaskPower will undertake a competitive process to procure up to 175 MW of wind power from one or more independent power producers.
The Green Options Partners Program, meanwhile, will see SaskPower introduce a standing offer program to purchase up to 50 MW of renewable power from private sector developers, with up to 25 MW of the total coming from wind power. The remainder will be generated through proven clean technologies, such as biomass, heat recovery or low impact hydro generation.
When the new wind generation is brought into service, wind power will make up about 8.5 per cent of SaskPower's total generating capacity - among the highest percentages in the country. The expansion of wind power will reduce the corporation's CO2 emissions by approximately 225,000 tonnes a year. Currently, the corporation has 172 MW of wind power on its system and has signed an agreement with an independent power producer for another 25 MW to be in service in 2011.
"We considered a number of operational, environmental and economic factors before deciding to add more wind power," SaskPower president Pat Youzwa said. "We believe this is a prudent decision that will allow SaskPower to meet its environmental commitment while ensuring our system continues to operate in a reliable and sustainable manner."
SaskPower has been laying the foundation for the addition of more wind power by installing new natural gas generation in the province, which provides peak generating service to the provincial electrical system and serves as a backup to wind generation.
Further information on the Green Options Plan and the Green Options Partners Program will be available before the end of the year.
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For more information, contact:
James Parker
SaskPower
Regina
Phone: 306-536-2886
Email: jparker@saskpower.com