 The
Answer My Friend
is
Blowing in the Wind…
Date: Wednesday, October
17, 2007
Time: Registration 11:15
a.m, Luncheon 11:45 a.m., Speaker 12:15 p.m.
Location: The Fairmont Palliser
Hotel, 133 – 9th
Avenue SW
Cost: $36 Members and
Guests, $18 Students, $12 ASAP
Guest Speaker: Raymond
McKay, MBA, P. Eng., Vice President, Business Development Alberta, ENMAX Corporation
Wind projects are typically difficult to develop due to long delivery times for
major equipment and various environmental and regulatory requirements. Add
to that Alberta’s heated construction market and the Taber Wind Power Project
certainly had its challenges. With construction now complete, it is interesting
to look back on the development process and revisit the hurdles encountered.
In 2004, ENMAX acquired the Taber wind farm site at
an early stage of development. The
site was well suited for a wind farm primarily because of its strong wind regime,
access to transmission, limited environmental impacts, and local support. Despite
these advantages, hurdles – some expected, but many unforeseen – were
encountered throughout the development process.
The regulatory process for wind farms can be onerous
and has been in a constant state of flux. Numerous permits were required, including a development
permit from the MD of Taber and permits from NAV Canada and Transport Canada. A
thorough Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was also required for both the
EUB and NR Can’s Wind Power Production Incentive (WPPI) application.
The wind farm is now complete and operating well. Despite
the hurdles, ENMAX continues to look for opportunities to develop its wind and
renewable portfolio, both in Alberta and British Columbia.
To ensure adequate seating please pre-register
with the Calgary APEGGA Office at 262-7714 prior to Friday, October 12, 2007. Calgary
Branch accepts Visa, MasterCard, or American Express for tickets sold prior to
the day of the event. |
