Hello
This website provides an introduction to the Progress Energy Project (the “Project” or “Progress”), a wind energy project proposed to be developed by a subsidiary of Potentia Renewables Inc. (“Potentia”).
On this website, you can find information on our company, the Project, the expected development timeline, and details on upcoming regulatory and environmental processes. Information is also available on the potential economic and community benefits your community may realize should we be successful in developing the Project.
We are committed to working closely with local government and community members, and we strive to keep all parties informed. Your voice counts and your opinion matters to us. We have included a Comment Form for you to share feedback, questions or suggestions with our team.
Should you wish to reach out to us directly, you can also find out contact information at the bottom of the website. Thank you for visiting!
Project Overview
The centre of the proposed Progress Energy Project is located approximately 10 kilometres east of Wawota. The anticipated maximum generation capacity is 200 MW generated by up to 50 wind turbines. We chose the Project location after careful consideration, due to exceptional land partners and local support, the wind resource, and a suitable connection point to the SaskPower transmission system.
The map shows a general Project area within which the turbines are planned to be located. The exact locations of turbines are dependent on many factors, including environmental studies and community input.
Expected timeline
economic benefits
If we are successful and the Project secures a PPA with SaskPower, we anticipate the Project will have an immediate positive economic impact with ongoing benefits over the 25-year project life. New revenues to the local economy will include municipal taxes, landowner payments, and local economic activities. We estimate that the Project will contribute approximately $25 million in property tax income locally over the life of the PPA, which is an estimated $1 million annually to be used by your community.
Construction of the Project will also bring employment opportunities to the area. Local contractors, service providers, equipment rentals, suppliers, and other area businesses will all be given preference wherever possible. Your area can also anticipate an increase in town activities and a local economic boost during the development phase of the Project, specifically for businesses in hospitality and services, including restaurants, short-term housing, and grocery stores.
community benefits
In addition to the economic benefits, the Project will also sponsor a number of local programs to support the community and provide additional benefits as an appreciation for hosting our Project in your area. We are currently reviewing several opportunities with the Walpole RM 92 administration team and council. The final program and community benefit package will be determined together with the leaders from your community. Options currently under consideration include:
- Post-secondary bursaries for qualifying graduating high school students from the area
- Educational tours of the Project for all levels of the school system
- Installing monitoring stations at local schools to help educate about renewable electricity production
- Partnering with local high-school trade programs to provide co-op options for local students
- Supporting or partnering with local and provincial governments on re-training programs
- Working with experts to plant vegetation in the vicinity of the Project that will support the population of local honey bees and other beneficial insects
We would love to hear your thoughts on the above and any other ideas you may have for community programs. Please fill out and return the Comment Form below to provide your comments.
what does developing a wind project look like:
the Golden South Wind Project
Potentia is a 100% Canadian developer, owner, and operator of renewable energy assets. Potentia is owned by Power Energy Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Power Corporation Canada. Potentia’s investors are committed to the company’s long-term success and emerging as one of the leaders of renewable energy providers in Canada. Our mandate is to own and operate all projects that we develop; we are focused on building strong relationships with the communities that host our projects.
Experience in SaskAtchewan
In 2019, Potentia began construction of the
Golden South Wind Project, a 200 MW project located immediately south of Assiniboia, Saskatchewan. Upon completion and commissioning in Spring 2021, the Golden South Wind Project will be the largest wind generation facility in Saskatchewan to date and it will have the capacity to provide clean electricity to 86,000 homes. For more information, please visit the project’s website: www.goldensouthwind.com and see photos of the project under construction in the slideshow below.
SASKPOWER WIND RFP
In October 2019, the Government of Saskatchewan announced its intention to add 300 MW of renewable energy generation to the provincial electricity grid. This announcement is in line with the Government’s goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent below the 2005 levels by 2030. To achieve this, SaskPower has issued a Request for Proposal (“RFP”) to companies like ours to develop renewable energy projects and sell electricity under a Power Purchase Agreement (“PPA”).
In November 2019, SaskPower posted a “Request for Qualification” to assess and determine a final list of qualified companies and projects to compete for up to 300 MW in the RFP process. In February 2020, we were notified by SaskPower that our Progress project had qualified to participate in the RFP. In March 2020, we received notice of eligibility from SaskPower to participate in the RFP, alongside 18 other companies.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some timelines were adjusted, and the submissions are now due on November 10, 2020. The results of the RFP are expected to be announced in 2021. If awarded a PPA, the Project is expected to be built by December 2023. The Project’s life would be 25 years, as per the requirement of the SaskPower PPA.
how wind power works
Wind Turbines: When the wind blows, the blades of the wind turbine generate lift which turns the rotor, spinning a generator inside the nacelle and generating electricity. Modern wind turbines range anywhere from 100 to 120 metres in hub height, and each of the 3 blades can range between 60 and 80 metres in length. Each foundation, or “Turbine Pad,” typically takes up to one acre of land.
Electrical Interconnection: The wind turbines are connected by an underground electrical collector system that meets at the substation. The electricity is then converted to the correct voltage and exported to the SaskPower transmission system for people to use.
Access Roads: Each turbine will have its own access road. Depending on the location of the turbines, each access road may span 30 to 700 metres in length from a main or range road to the Turbine Pad. Each Access Road is typically 6 metres in width.
Other Infrastructure: Temporary laydown and storage areas, a permanent operation and maintenance building, and upgrades of local roads may also be required.
Protecting the Environment
We are committed to assessing and limiting environmental impacts of the Project. The Project will adhere to the specific siting criteria defined by SaskPower, as well as comply with the applicable environmental legislation, regulations and government policies in Saskatchewan. Site-specific wildlife, habitat, noise, cultural, socio-economic, and other studies will be undertaken prior to going through the approval process as required by The Environmental Assessment Act. We will also consult with the community through public open houses.
We will submit a Technical Proposal to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment (“SKMOE”). The Technical Proposal is a large document with all of the studies, the layout, potential impacts, and mitigation measures and will include a consultation report with feedback from the community. The SKMOE may approve the Project, approve the Project with conditions, or require additional environmental assessments before making a determination. Additional permits, such as aquatic habitat protection permits, will also be obtained as needed.
We aim to reduce impacts on the natural environment through the planning of the Project and will also hire a third-party environmental monitor for the construction period to ensure compliance with commitments and requirements. Potentia will actively work with government agencies, environmental professionals and experts, and the community to protect the natural environment surrounding and within the Project area, including water quality, soils, vegetation, and wildlife habitat.
Our philosophy stems from the fundamental belief that long-term economic growth should not and need not be achieved at the expense of the environment. Our mission is to safely and sustainably build and operate renewable energy projects for generations to come. We look forward to working with you and your community in building the future of energy today.
Share your comments and provide your thoughts!
If you have any comments, please complete the form below. We look forward to receiving your comments as your input plays an important role in the development of our Project. Alternatively, you can always send us an email at progresswind@potentiarenewables.com. We look forward to hearing from you anytime.
We pride ourselves as a developer that actively engages and communicates with the local community. Our team will address your comments and questions through ongoing newsletters and provide updates through the Project website and available local media outlets. We will also respond directly to you if you have provided contact information. In the future, we hope to host in-person open houses in your community. If these cannot be done safely due to the pandemic, we will explore virtual options.
