Ontario’s Grand Bend Wind Farm begins commercial operation

Northland Power Inc., the Aamjiwnaang First Nation, and the Bkejwanong Territory (Walpole Island First Nation) announced that the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has confirmed the 100-MW Grand Bend Wind Farm achieved commercial operation on April 19, 2016.

The project, located near the eastern shore of Lake Huron, in Ontario, is a 50/50 partnership between Northland and Giiwedin Noodin FN Energy Corporation, which was created to hold the equity interest of the Aamjiwnaang First Nation and Bkejwanong Territory in the project.

“It has been a journey of collaboration for Giiwedin Noodin and our partner Northland Power to achieve COD on the Grand Bend Wind Farm. We look forward to years of benefits from this energy partnership,” said Graham Hoogterp, President Giiwedin Noodin FN Energy Corporation.

The IESO awarded the project a 20-year contract under Ontario’s Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) program for renewable energy. The wind farm consists of 40 Siemens wind turbines, and is expected to produce enough clean, renewable energy each year to power approximately 30,000 Ontario homes.

Grand Bend is Northland’s second wind project completed under the Ontario FIT program. The 60-MW McLean’s Mountain Wind Farm on Manitoulin Island began operations in 2014, and is also a 50/50 partnership with local First Nations (the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising First Nations).

“Northland’s continued growth demonstrates our commitment to generating stable cash flows and creating long-term value for our shareholders and partners,” said John Brace, Northland’s CEO. “We are pleased to add the project to our fleet of operating assets while reducing Ontario’s carbon footprint, and are thankful to all involved in bringing this project to completion on budget and within the expected project schedule.”