Lakeshore's Belle River Wind Power facility is now up and running.
Samsung and Pattern Development announced Monday its 100-MW Belle River Wind facility is complete, and fully operational.
The facility is expected to generate enough clean energy to power about 35,000 Ontario homes each year, and will conserve enough water to meet the needs of nearly 9,000 Ontarians annually. By producing clean energy, the plant will also avoid more than 300,000-tonnes of CO2 each year, which is equivalent to taking more than 60,000 cars off the roads.
According to Samsung C&T Vice President Eskay Lee, the project has been beneficial to the local economy.
“Belle River Wind created more than 235 jobs during peak construction. Samsung and its partner are creating jobs, and investing in the community, which are benefiting real people in Lakeshore and across the province,” says Lee.
The news release reports that more than $2.5-million in direct spending will be also introduced to the Lakeshore area over the next 20 years in property taxes and landowner lease royalties. As well, Belle River Wind has committed $6-million to the community of Lakeshore as part of a long-term Community Benefit Program, which supports education and other initiatives. This includes an initial contribution of $2-million, and an annual contribution of $200,000 for the next 20 years.
“Belle River Wind is making a significant positive impact locally by generating millions of dollars in landowner payments, community benefits and tax revenue for the community around Lakeshore and for the local schools,” says CEO of Pattern Development Mike Garland.
According to the news release, the 40 Siemens wind turbines were made at CS Wind’s manufacturing facility in Windsor using Ontario steel. The 120 turbine blades were manufactured in Tillsonburg.
