The Project is currently in the development stage. We are evaluating submitting the Project into the BC Hydro Power Call due in September 2024. Pending securing an Electricity Purchase Agreement (EPA) with BC Hydro, conducting necessary assessments and studies, and obtaining the required permits, construction would be scheduled to commence in 2028, at the earliest.

We continue to collect wind data at the Project site to inform the Project design and turbine selection.

The preliminary civil and electrical engineering will commence in Q2 2024, which may include geotechnical assessments, preliminary electrical and civil diagrams and other studies.

We are evaluating whether to submit the Project into BC Hydro’s 2024 Call for Power, due in September 2024.

We are committed to the environmental, social and economic well-being of the communities where we live and work. During the planning and design phase of the Project, we will engage proactively with the community.

Once the Project is operational, we will give back to the Peace River Regional District by supporting projects, programs and initiatives, working closely with local stakeholders. The Project will make direct property tax payments annually to the Peace River Regional District for the 30-year life of the Project.

The Project will also create 200 jobs during peak construction, which will increase business for local services such as hotels and restaurants. The Project will create up to 8 long-term jobs for operations and maintenance.

A wind turbine functions as a renewable energy generator by harnessing the power of the wind to produce electricity. Its key components include a tower structure, rotor blades attached to a hub, a gearbox, a generator, and various control systems.

Wind farms are strategically placed in locations with consistent wind patterns, and they are equipped with control systems that adjust the blade angle to optimize energy capture.

In advance of project development, we assess the environment to plan for long-term goals that will support sustainable use of ecosystems, including conducting wildlife studies to ensure we can mitigate potential impacts.

During the construction and operational phases of the Project, we will undertake a variety of actions to avoid, where possible, and otherwise mitigate the impact of our facilities on ecosystems, such as conducting wildlife studies and making operational adjustments during species migration.

The Thunder Mountain wind project received an Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC) from the BC Environmental Assessment Office in 2009. This permit expired in 2019 because construction had not commenced. The Project will update environmental studies and re-apply for an EAC following current regulatory requirements.

Project-related noise will occur primarily during the construction phase of development. The noise produced by a wind turbine is minimal and varies depending on which model is chosen. On average, the noise generated by wind turbines ranges from 35 to 40 dBA, which is comparable to average household noise, like a refrigerator hum.

We will be conducting a Noise Impact Analysis that will be shared publicly to ensure noise levels at local receptors will not exceed regulatory requirements.

The height of wind turbines can vary depending on which model is chosen, but on average, they are typically 80 to 120 metres high. We continue to collect wind data from the Project site to inform our turbine selection. The turbine model that we select depends on various factors such as the wind resource, terrain characteristics and regulatory requirements.

Once a model is chosen, we will share it publicly with stakeholders and via our website

The final number of turbines is yet to be determined.

Ultimately, the final design will depend on what model is chosen based on the site and wind characteristics.

BC Hydro has initiated plans to procure up to 3,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity based on the growing demand for electricity in B.C.

Further information on this process is available here.