New wind energy project

Photo: The Canadian Press

A large-scale wind energy project has been approved for southeast Saskatchewan as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Saskatchewan government says a large-scale wind energy project has been approved for the province's southeast as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Blue Hill Wind Energy Project will be located south of Herbert, Sask., and is expected to have 56 wind turbines.

Environment Minister Dustin Duncan says the project demonstrates the government's commitment to renewable energy.

Saskatchewan has consistently opposed a federal carbon tax which would put a price on carbon emissions.

The province argues it's already doing enough with its own climate change strategy.

The turbines are expected to generate enough energy to power more than 70,000 homes in the province.

Construction is expected to begin in 2019 with possible service as early as 2021.

It will be the seventh privately developed wind power generation project in Saskatchewan.