ASSINIBOIA - The largest wind-powered electrical facility in Saskatchewan was recently officially opened in a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Assiniboia.
In a recent interview, Media Relations and Issues Management Consultant Joel Cherry from SaskPower stated: “The official grand opening ceremony of the Golden South Wind Facility in Assiniboia that took place on June 14 at the Prince of Wales Community Centre was really just a wonderful celebration of sorts. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the end of many years of negotiations, collaboration, planning, and hard work by Potentia Renewables, SaskPower and the Government of Saskatchewan.
“The ceremony that took place in Assiniboia was a huge triumph for everyone. It was an extremely ‘positive event’, celebrating positive relationships that will last for years to come, resulting in huge economic spin-offs for Assiniboia and surrounding area.”
In a nutshell, here’s what we know about the Golden South Wind Facility in Assiniboia:
Planning for the project began in 2009. Construction of the facility and its 50-odd wind turbines got underway in the fall of 2019, some 10 years later. Potentia, owner of the plant, hired 150 workers to construct the large facility. The total cost of construction is reported to be between $340 and $350 million.
The Golden South Wind Energy plant began operating in March of this year and is now producing up to 200 megawatts of emissions-free power for SaskPower’s electrical grid. It provides enough electrical energy — when working at maximum capacity — to power 100,000 homes. It is the largest wind-powered electrical facility in Saskatchewan.
The plant provides permanent full-time jobs for seven workers and their families.
According to Troy King, acting president and CEO of SaskPower, Potentia Renewables has a 20-year contract with SaskPower to provide electricity. Potentia claims its turbines have a lifespan of 30 years.
Assiniboia Mayor Sharon Schauenberg said of the Golden South Wind Facility, “it [certainly] has changed our landscape, but for the better. It’s our future.”
