ENMAX Corporation today announced plans to build and operate an 80MW wind power generating facility in the M.D. of Taber in southern Alberta. Construction is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2005 and be completed by the end of 2006 at a total capital cost of approximately $140 million.

“This is a significant step forward in our plans to increase our clean power generating capacity, which is an important component of ENMAX’s growth strategy,” said ENMAX President and CEO, Gary Holden.

A key element of the ENMAX wind power facility will be a 20-year supply agreement with The City of Calgary. The City has agreed to purchase 100% of the electricity and renewable energy certificates from the Taber Wind Power facility. This deal is part of a long term goal of having more than 75% of The City of Calgary’s power needs provided by renewable power.

"With these commitments, we will be the only city in Canada to draw three-quarters of its electricity from green power,” said Mayor Dave Bronconnier, “Calgary is Canada's energy capital – that includes renewable energy. We are proud to partner with ENMAX to set this new standard for environmental stewardship."

Emission free wind power generation is one of the leading planks of the federal and provincial governments’ climate change strategies, and Alberta is the leading wind power province in Canada. The Taber Wind Power generation facility will employ a technologically advanced wind turbine design supplied by ENERCON, a German manufacturer.  The 37 ENERCON turbines will have a total power output of over 80 MW. By comparison, the McBride Lake Wind Farm, of which ENMAX is a 50% owner, consists of 114 turbines for a total power output of 75MW. This project is pending regulatory approval and other detailed arrangements.
 
ENMAX Corporation is celebrating its 100th year of providing Albertans with safe and reliable electricity. A wholly owned subsidiary of The City of Calgary, ENMAX provides electricity, natural gas, renewable energy and value-added services to more than 435,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Alberta through its subsidiary companies. In addition, ENMAX owns 50% of Canada’s largest wind farm and has the first and largest green power marketing program of its kind in Canada. For more information, visit our website at enmax.com.