Samsung, Pattern Development commence operations of North Kent Wind power facility in Ontario

Samsung Renewable Energy and Pattern Energy Group (Pattern Development) have announced the commencement of operations of North Kent Wind, a 100MW wind power facility located in Chatham-Kent municipality, Ontario, Canada.

North Kent Wind is making use of 34 3.2MW Siemens Gamesa wind turbines.

At the the peak of construction activity, the facility employed approximately 175 workers.

The facility has around ten employees to undertake ongoing operations and maintenance.

Samsung C&T vice president Eskay Lee said: “Samsung is proud to complete its sixth wind project under our Green Energy Investment Agreement with the government of Ontario.

“Samsung and its partners have created jobs and invested in the community, benefiting real people in Chatham-Kent and across the province.”

Pattern Development president and CEO Mike Garland said: “North Kent Wind marks our sixth operational wind power facility in Ontario, totaling more than one gigawatt of capacity, enough to power more than 400,000 homes each year.

“North Kent Wind was built entirely by Ontario workers and is generating substantial economic benefits in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent by injecting more than $40 million in direct spending into the local economy over the next 20 years.”

Samsung and Pattern Development are also offering $4m to the municipality as a community benefit contribution.

The plant is expected to generate around $5m in tax revenue over 20 years.

The municipality has 15% stake in the facility through its affiliate Entegrus Renewable Energy while Bkejwanong First Nation holds another 15% interest.

The 100MW North Kent Wind facility is expected to produce clean energy to meet the power requirements of around 35,000 homes annually.

The facility has a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO).