GULL LAKE, SASKATCHEWAN--Federal and provincial government
representatives joined with industry officials and Gull Lake area
residents at the official opening of SunBridge, Saskatchewan's
first major wind power project.
The $22 million project was developed through a 50/50 partnership
between Enbridge Inc. and Suncor Energy Inc. SaskPower is
purchasing the wind-generated electricity for sale to the
Government of Canada and other customers in Saskatchewan. The
SunBridge Wind Power Project was stimulated by a 10-year, $12.4
million federal government commitment to support green power
development in Saskatchewan. Funding for this project is built
into the existing Government of Canada fiscal framework.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to support this significant
project," said Public Works and Government Services Minister Ralph
Goodale, on behalf of Natural Resources Canada Minister Herb
Dhaliwal and Environment Canada Minister David Anderson. "Together
we are developing a green power industry in Saskatchewan that is
viable and cost-effective. This type of power can help us meet our
energy needs without increasing our greenhouse gas emissions."
"The official opening of the SunBridge Wind Power Project puts
Saskatchewan on the national stage as a leader in the development
of alternative energy sources," says Hon. Maynard Sonntag,
Minister of Crown Investments Corporation, Government of
Saskatchewan. "SunBridge now stands as an excellent example of how
public and private industry, supported by the commitment from the
federal government, are building new relationships and developing
strong partnerships that benefit the province's environment and
economy."
"Bringing renewable energy to consumers is a reflection of
Suncor's commitment to taking unconventional approaches to energy
development," said Dave Byler, Executive Vice-President of Natural
Gas and Renewable Energy, Suncor Energy Inc. "We're proud of our
record of pursuing new ideas and businesses and with SunBridge, we
begin a new chapter of energy innovation. SunBridge is the first
major step in Suncor's plan to invest at least $100 million in
renewable energy by 2005."
"The SunBridge Project fits with Enbridge's strategy to be a
leader in the pursuit of renewable energy options that meet
customer demand and have minimal impact on the environment." said
Pat Daniel, Enbridge Inc. President & CEO. "SunBridge diversifies
Enbridge into a business that complements our core energy
distribution and transportation platforms - and as operator of
SunBridge, we also gain valuable first hand knowledge in this form
of electricity generation."
"SaskPower's customers have told us they want the option to
purchase power that is reliable, reasonably priced and that will
reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said John Wright, SaskPower
President and CEO. "Our involvement in the SunBridge Wind Power
Project and work with world-class industry partners reflects
SaskPower's commitment to further develop green power sources and
address climate change issues."
Suncor and Enbridge formed SunBridge in 2001 to jointly develop
the wind power project. SunBridge is projected to provide nearly
six percent of Canada's total installed wind capacity and will
reduce about 32,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
Wind power is expected to be an important part of Saskatchewan's
and Canada's energy future, providing economic, environmental and
social returns.
All 17 wind turbines have been in service at the 11-megawatt site
since February, providing enough wind generated electricity to
meet the needs of about 5,000 homes.
Gull Lake is located about 300 kilometres west of Regina, and 55
kilometres west of Swift Current, on the Trans-Canada Highway. The
wind powered facility is located five kilometres southeast of Gull
Lake.
Enbridge Inc. is a leader in energy transportation and
distribution in North America and internationally. Enbridge owns
and operates the world's longest crude oil and liquids pipeline
system, Canada's largest natural gas distribution company, invests
in international energy projects, and is involved in emerging
energy technologies such as fuel cells and wind power. Enbridge
common shares trade on The Toronto Stock Exchange in Canada and on
the New York Stock Exchange in the U.S., under the symbol ENB.
Suncor Energy is an integrated Canadian energy company. Suncor's
Oil Sands business mines and upgrades oil sand into custom-blended
refinery feedstock and diesel fuel, near Fort McMurray in Northern
Alberta. Suncor is also a conventional natural gas producer in
Western Canada and operates a refining and marketing business in
Ontario. At the same time as Suncor meets today's energy needs,
the company invests in renewable energy for the future. Suncor's
common shares and preferred securities are listed for trading on
the Toronto and New York stock exchanges.
SaskPower is the principal supplier of electricity in
Saskatchewan. As a Crown corporation, SaskPower maintains more
than 150,000 kilometres of power lines, operates a network of
coal, hydro and natural gas generating facilities, and is actively
undertaking various alternative, cogeneration and clean coal
energy initiatives. SaskPower is registered corporate-wide to the
ISO 140001 standard for environmental management.
To learn more about the Government of Canada's action on climate
change, visit www.climatechange.ca
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