Input sought on Lomond wind project
By Greg Bobinec on February 5, 2021.
LETHBRIDGE HERALDgbobinec@lethbridgeherald.com gbobinec@lethbridgeherald.comABO Wind is proposing to build the largest single-phased wind project in southern Alberta, and is welcoming written submissions from the public until Feb. 24.
If approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission, the $500 million investment would create over 300 jobs during the construction and around 15 long-term maintenance positions. The project would also have the capacity to generate 514.6 megawatts of power which in turn could supply electricity to approximately 160,000 homes in the area.
“This project area was selected as it is well suited for the development of wind energy due to its large, open agriculture land base, great wind resources and nearby access to interconnection,” says a statement from ABO Wind. “In order to enhance value the project has committed to more than $1.5 million in payments to the community over the lifespan of the project through its Community Vibrancy Fund and Green Option Program.”
Located to the north, south and west of Lomond, the German-based company is wanting to install 83 wind turbines for the Buffalo Plains Wind Farm.
With many Lomond and area residents concerned with the clutter, noise and other factors of the project, ABO invites people interested in learning more about the project or talking about the concerns to their Q&A session on Feb. 17, at 6:30 p.m., where written submissions will be gone over.
Assuming the project will be approved in an appropriate matter of time, ABO is hoping to start the construction in 2022 and be fully operational by the end of 2023. For more information on the Buffalo Plains Wind Farm Project and to submit your submission for the Q&A, visit auc.ab.ca/Pages/Buffalo-Plains-Wind-Farm-Project. Follow @GBobinecHerald on Twitter 4
-3
