TimberWest and EDP Renewables collaborate on 300MW wind projects in Canada

Canada-based company TimberWest Forest has signed a partnership agreement with EDP Renewables Canada to jointly develop, build and operate up to 300MW of wind power projects on southern Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.

The projects would attract an investment of between CAD600m ($582m) and CAD750m ($728m) and support jobs for Vancouver Island, which generates only a third of its energy demand locally.

TimberWest president and CEO Brian Frank said that the company has a tremendous opportunity here to develop wind energy on its private land near where that energy is needed.

"Wind projects on these lands would complement the existing managed forest landscape that has a century of renewable forest harvesting activity." Frank added.

Besides, both companies have also signed a memorandum of understanding with the T’Sou-ke First Nation that envisions the potential of partnerships with the T’Sou-ke and other First Nations on wind projects.

EDP Renewables North America CEO Gabriel Alonso said, "We are excited by the potential of these projects in British Columbia. With the increasing efficiency of modern wind turbines, these projects would be competitive with other large-scale power development proposals in the province, including BC Hydro’s Site C."

T’Sou-ke First Nation chief Gordon Planes said, "We look forward to working with TimberWest, EDPR Canada, and other First Nations to see that the wind projects can be developed in a way that is respectful of First Nations people, and their culture, aspirations and interests."