Part of the proposed area near Lomond where the Buffalo Plains Wind Farm would be located. (Supplied by ABO Wind)

By David Opinko

$500-million wind farm proposed near Lomond, input needed

Jan 22, 2021 | 1:44 PM

LOMOND, AB – ABO Wind is proposing to build the largest single-phase wind project in the country right here in Southern Alberta.

Located to the north, west, and south of Lomond, the German company wants to install 83 wind turbines for the Buffalo Plains Wind Farm.

“The project area was selected as it is well suited for the development of wind energy due to its large, open agricultural land base, great wind resources and nearby access to interconnection,” ABO Wind said in a statement to LNN.

If approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), the project would represent more than $500-million in investments. Over 300 jobs would be created during construction with around 15 long-term maintenance positions.

It would have the capacity to generate 514.6 megawatts of power, a number ABO estimates could supply electricity to approximately 160,000 homes.

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Another figure they used was that the clean power would offset more than 1.3-million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year or the equivalent of removing 137,000 vehicles.

“In order to enhance value the project has committed to more than 1.5M CDN in payments to the community over the lifespan of the project through its Community Vibrancy Fund and Green Option Program.”

Assuming the project is approved in an appropriate amount of time, ABO would hope to start construction in 2022 and be fully operational by the end of 2023.

The project is currently before the AUC.

They are holding a Q&A session on February 17 at 6:30 pm and are welcoming written submissions from the public until February 24.

More information, including how to partake in community consultations, can be found on the AUC website here.

An information package on on the Buffalo Plains Wind Farm from October 2020 can be read here.