Power blowing in the wind

Photo: Getty Images

Three years after first being proposed, construction on the first two wind farms in the Okanagan is underway.

The wind farms, developed by Zero Emission Energy Developments, came to light in October 2013, when they sought approval from the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen.

The farms are located west of Pennask Summit off Highway 97C and about 30 kilometres west of Summerland off the Princeton-Summerland road.

Each of the two wind farms, once up and running early next year, will have a capacity of 15 megawatts.

That translates into about six per cent of B.C.'s installed wind capacity.

It's estimated the clean energy generated by the two projects will reduce gas emissions in the province by about 60,000 tonnes a year, the equivalent of removing 12,000 vehicles from the road.

The project is sponsored by InstarAGF Asset Management, a Canadian-based owner and operator of essential infrastructure assets.

“Wind energy is a clean, low-cost source of emission-free electricity. We are excited to bring the Okanagan region its first source of wind energy and to help the region contribute to B.C.’s goal of generating at least 93 per cent of electricity from clean or renewable sources,” said Stephen Simpson, VP of InstarAGF Asset Management.

“As construction gains momentum, we are especially appreciative for local support and partnerships and look forward to being a long-term contributor to the community.”

The projects are also supported by local governments and First Nations in Westbank, Merritt and Penticton.

“WFN is pleased to have been involved in the windfarm project for a number of years. The values of our people were considered, and its clean energy and economic benefits will be shared amongst the community at large," said WFN Chief Robert Louie.