The 27 MW Wind Energy Project has the potential to supply energy to approximately 6,800 Newfoundland homes, which would offset the burning of 165,000 barrels of oil per year from the Holyrood Generating Station and will contribute in cutting down greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 80,000 tons per year.
The power produced is sold to Nalcor Energy through the Newfoundland Power and the Newfoundland and Labrador grid system.
The Project was conceived in response to Nalcor’s willingness to diversify its energy resources. The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador offers one of the best wind resources in the country.
The Government of Canada also announced today an $8.3 million dollar contribution to project through the ecoENERGY for Renewable Power program.
The dedication event was attended by Toni Volpe, Head of the North American Area of Enel Green Power; Minister of Natural Resources for the Government of Canada; Hon. Darin King, Minister of Education representing the Hon. Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador; the Hon. Wayde Roswell, Mayor of the Town of St. Lawrence, and Jim Haynes, Vice President, Regulated Operations, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.
“Our hope is that the reliable operation of the St. Lawrence Wind Energy Project will demonstrate the important role wind energy can play in the economic future of the Province,” Toni Volpe commented.
The St. Lawrence Wind Project is the second of Enel’s investment in the Province, the other being the Star Lake Hydroelectric Project “We look forward to continuing our relationship with Nalcor and the Province in the future” Mr Volpe added.
Senator Manning said that the Government’s “partnership” in the Project is “also helping to generate new economic activity and create new jobs for this community.”
“Wind is a new source of energy for Newfoundland and Labrador and this is an exciting day for our province,” said Jim Haynes, Vice President of Regulated Operations, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. “Our province has a word-class wind resource that we’re leveraging for the benefit of all electricity consumers.”
Construction began in 2007 and was completed in 2008. Newfoundland based contractors were employed to build the project’s civil and electrical works. The nine Vestas V90 3.0 MW turbines were delivered to Newfoundland from Denmark at the Bull Arm Fabrication Site then shipped to St Lawrence by truck. The Project is built on a plateau known as Lawn Lookout.
About Enel Green Power
Enel Green Power is the company of the Enel Group Company aimed at developing and operating power generation from renewable sources in Italy and around the world. The new company’s business incorporates all of Enel’s activities in the wind, solar, geothermal, run-of-the-river hydroelectric and biomass fields in Europe, North America and Central and South America. With over 4,500 MW of installed capacity and 17,2 TWh of produced electricity in 2008, Enel Green Power is a global leading company in renewables. Enel North America, Inc. is a subsidiary of Enel Green Power and it operates all EGP renewable energy plants in 20 U.S. States and in three Canadian provinces. For further information, please visit www.enelgreenpower.com
Enel SpA
Enel is Italy’s largest power company, and Europe’s second biggest utility by installed capacity. It produces, distributes and sells power and gas to some 61 million customers in 23 countries in Europe, North and Latin America. With a net installed capacity of 95,000 MW and 316 TWh produced in 2008, Enel is one of the world leaders in the power sector (data as of December, 12 2008). For further information please visit: www.enel.com
