CANADA OFFSHORE WIND DEAL

NaiKun and Haida Nation partner for offshore wind project
January 29, 2009 (Energy Current)

“British Columbia-based renewable energy company NaiKun Wind Energy Group and the Council of the Haida Nation have formed a partnership to support the development of Canada's first offshore wind energy project.

“The NaiKun project is located in British Columbia's Hecate Strait, between the mainland and the Haida Gwaii, also known as the Queen Charlotte Islands. The area is the traditional territory of the Haida, the indigenous people of the area.”

Will the first offshore wind installation in North America be here? (click to enlarge)

“The partnership will be a commercial limited partnership that will operate and maintain the NaiKun wind energy project after construction. The agreement provides benefits to the Haida Nation from the project, including revenue sharing, environmental stewardship and employment and economic development opportunities…

“Construction on the project is expected to begin in 2012. The project could have up to 110 turbines, installed off the east coast of Haida Gwaii. Energy generated from the turbines will be collected at an offshore substation in the center of the project and converted into electricity, which will be transmitted to the mainland by a subsea cable.

“The project is contingent upon receipt of environmental approvals from the Haida Nation and through the harmonized federal/provincial environmental assessment process, and the award of an Electricity Purchase Agreement from BC Hydro.”