SaskPower Seeks 200 MW Wind Energy Proposals

July 14, 2017

Eight independent power producers have been invited by SaskPower to submit proposals for 200 MW of wind energy.

The eight were among 23 independent power producers who responded to an earlier request for qualification. The project will generate enough electricity to power approximately 80,000 homes.

The competition is being conducted through a two-stage process. In February 2017, SaskPower issued a request for quotations to identify independent power producers. The eight proponents who qualified will have until May 25, 2018 to submit proposals, including choosing their own sites to put forward in the competition. The successful proponent will be announced in fall 2018, with the project expected to be in-service in early 2021.

SaskPower plans to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 40% from 2005 levels by 2030. It will significantly increase the amount of renewable electricity in Saskatchewan’s generation mix from 25% today to as much as 50% by 2030.

“Wind power will play a key role in Saskatchewan’s electricity future,” says Guy Bruce, SaskPower Vice-President of Special Projects. “As of today, wind makes up a total of 5% of our available generating capacity. We plan to increase this to 30% by 2030 and this project is one way we will reach our goal.”

SaskPower is facing a number of challenges for the future, including a growing demand for power, a transition to cleaner generation options, and a need to upgrade and modernize the aging power grid.