Magrath Wind Power Project plugs into Alberta electrical grid

MAGRATH, AB, - Premier Ralph Klein today joined business leaders and local dignitaries in Magrath, Alberta to celebrate the opening of the province's newest wind power project.

The $48-million Magrath Wind Power Project is an equal partnership between Suncor Energy Inc., EHN Wind Power Canada Inc. and Enbridge Inc. The project's 20 turbines have the capacity to generate 30 megawatts of green electricity - enough to power approximately 13,000 homes.

Enbridge has purchased one third of the facility's electricity for its pipeline operations. The remaining electricity will be distributed to consumers through the Alberta electrical grid. EHN will operate the facility, which is located seven kilometres west of the town of Magrath.

Magrath's zero-emissions electricity production is expected to offset the equivalent of approximately 82,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year - equal to taking about 12,000 vehicles off the road.

The opening ceremony featured speeches from Premier Klein and senior representatives from the Government of Canada and partner companies. The celebration continues tomorrow with a barbecue and wind farm tours for Magrath residents.

"Suncor is committed to finding viable business solutions to today's energy and environmental challenges," said Rick George, President & CEO of Suncor. "Today, we are one step closer to achieving that goal, as the Magrath turbines pump 100% clean and renewable energy into Alberta's power grid."

"By investing in the Magrath Project, we are working to meet a growing North American electricity demand with environmentally responsible technologies," said Pat Daniel, Enbridge's President & CEO. "And while this helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we are also supporting the viability of generating green power by purchasing a portion of Magrath's electricity to offset some of the traditional power that currently operates our liquids pipeline system."

"The opening of the Magrath Wind Power Project has a very special meaning for EHN as it represents the start-up of our operations in a new country," said Alberto de Miguel, Chairman of EHN Wind Power Canada. "We are very optimistic about the prospects in Canada for the development of renewable energy sources in general, and wind power in particular."

The Magrath Wind Power Project will receive $9 million over the next ten years from the Government of Canada through its Wind Power Production Incentive (WPPI).

"This project is an excellent example of how the Government of Canada's WPPI program is helping industry compete successfully in the marketplace and gives consumers the option to choose cleaner energy sources," said the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. "The Magrath Wind Power Project demonstrates that we benefit both environmentally and economically by spurring technological innovation that contributes to our climate change goals and reduces greenhouse gas emissions."

The partner companies also announced a joint $28,500 donation to the Town of Magrath in recognition of the community's support for the wind power project. The money will go toward a main street refurbishment project that includes new park benches and an outdoor stage.

Suncor and Enbridge also jointly own and operate the 11-megawatt Sunbridge wind farm near Gull Lake, Saskatchewan. Both companies are members of the Clean Air Renewable Energy (CARE) Coalition.

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