Like a wind at their backs local Wind farm projects are moving forward

The twin developments of wind power on the North Coast are moving forward with the announcement that Katabatic power has selected an engineer for the Banks Island project and that the Mount Hays project has received a licence of occupation from the province for its development for the south side of Mount Hays.

The latest developments were featured on Monday as the front page story in the Daily News.


WIND FARM PROJECTS BREEZE FORWARD, ENGINEER SELECTED
Katabatic Power is working with CH2M HILL to develop two local wind farms
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Monday, November 05, 2007
Pages one and three

Two wind farms being proposed by Katabatic Power - on Banks Island and Mount Hays - are moving forward.

Last week, Katabatic Power and the Deutsche Bank AG announced they have selected an engineer for the proposed wind farm on Banks Island, just south of Prince Rupert.
CH2M HILL has been chosen to work on the joint venture that is expected to generate 700 megawatts of wind energy on the North Coast.

"We are very pleased to have CH2M HILL working with us to ensure the Banks Island project is a success," said Anthony Duggleby, president and CEO of Katabatic.

"With a worldwide reputation for excellence in energy project development, planning and design, CH2M HILL is an ideal partner as we prepare to bring our project forward as part of BC Hydro's next Call for Power."

The Banks Island North Wind Energy Project is proposed for the north end of Banks Island. Pending First National consultation and environmental approval, the companies hope to install 234 three-megawatt turbines, an access road and 146 kilometres of transmission lines that will feed into the existing British Columbia Transmission Corporation (BCTC) energy grid located near Kitimat.

“Our team is looking forward to working with Katabatic on this ground-breaking renewable energy facility.” said Todd Barthoff, director Sustainable Energy for CH2M HILL.

The Banks Island project is the second wind farm project being undertaken by Katabatic. It is also proposing a smaller wind turbine project on the south side of Mount Hays, within the city of Prince Rupert itself.

Two weeks ago, the Mount Hays Wind Farm project received a licence of occupation from the province for 364.4 hectares of land on the top and south side of Mount Hays.

The company has a 25-year electricity power purchase agreement with B. C. Hydro for the Mount Hays project and hopes to have the province’s first land-based wind farm in operation by the winter of 2008.

The Mount Hays Wind Farm will generate electricity from 17 wind turbines, each capable of producing 1.5 megawatts (MW) of electricity for a project total of 25.5 MW. Once in operation, the Wind Farm will produce enough electricity for 10,000 homes from a renewable, clean energy source.

“The Province of British Columbia and BC Hydro have recognized that wind energy is an important part of a renewable and sustainable energy future, and we are very excited to be playing a leadership role in generating new sources of power for British Columbians,” said Duggleby.