Capital Power
Whitla Wind 1: Delivering a new source of clean energy for Alberta
Capital Power is a growth-oriented North American power producer, committed to delivering dependable, cost-effective and innovative electricity solutions to power a sustainable future for generations to come. In line with our corporate strategy and sustainability targets, the development, construction and commissioning of the Whitla Wind 1 expands our fleet with a new renewable asset in a strong wind regime, provides opportunities to develop and sell carbon offset products from the asset, and delivers on our commitment to support the transition to a low-carbon energy future.
Whitla Wind 1 is a 202 MW project located in the County of Forty Mile, Alberta. It was selected in December 2017, by the Alberta Electric System Operator, in the first round of the Renewable Electricity Program and awarded a 20-year contract against stiff international competition. Whitla Wind 1 consists of 56 Vestas V136 – 3.6-MW wind turbines, which have the potential to generate enough electricity to meet the average annual power needs of 67,000 Alberta homes.
Commercial operation was achieved on December 1, 2019. Construction of Whitla Wind 1 began in May 2018 with the peak of construction occurring during the summer of 2019 with between 160 -200 workers on site. The construction of the project was completed on schedule and on budget within its $315 million to $325 million target. Whitla Wind 1 is expected to provide adjusted EBITDA of $27 million and AFFO of $17 million in its first full year of operation.
Given the narrow construction window and significant wind risk, Whitla Wind 1 was built over a two-year period with year one devoted to the installation of the substation, transmission line and 50% of the access roads. Access road installation in year one was key to ensuring the availability of expanded work fronts following 2019 spring break-up.
Frontend planning and coordination by Capital Power, as prime contractor, and exceptional cooperation between the two key contractors Borea and Rising Edge Group was key to Whitla Wind 1’s success. With support of the community, we are proud to have Whitla Wind 1 in operations, providing clean, responsible energy.
Leveraging our construction experience from Whitla Wind 1, we are moving forward with Whitla Wind 2 that will add 97 MW in 2021.
“Whitla Wind 1 and 2 advances our disciplined growth strategy as we continue to expand our renewable energy portfolio, which supports our long-term vision for sustainability and green energy sources.” – Brian Vaasjo, President and CEO, Capital Power
Posted under: Invest in Alberta