The Golden South Wind Project became a reality on Monday, August 19 when representatives from the Town of Assiniboia, Potentia, the Saskatchewan government and SaskPower met outside of Assiniboia near the Assiniboia Golf Course on Red Coat Trail, where the province’s first wind power project will be situated. The $325-million development will consist of 50 wind turbines capable of producing 200 megawatts. Golden South will be equipped to generate nearly 900,000 megawatt-hours of electricity produced by wind.
The ceremony took place underneath a tent, where the project’s 59 turbines will be connected underground through a 34.5 kilovolt underground collector line system at the wind collector substation.
Andreea Munteanu-Paise began the ceremony by welcoming the provincial and municipal representatives as well at the media. “We have a 25-year purchasing agreement with Sask Power,” Munteanu-Paise said.
Dustin Duncan, the Minister of Environment and the Minister responsible for SaskPower, spoke on the positive impact the Golden South Wind Project will have for Assiniboia and region. “I look forward to watching this important project progress.” The minister also acknowledged Potentia for advancing this project in Assiniboia. “I just want to thank Potentia for investing in rural Saskatchewan. Thank you very much,” he stated in closing.
“I wish you the best of luck as construction begins,” Mike Marsh, the CEO for SaskPower said, also taking a moment to congratulate Potentia for investing in the Assiniboia region.
Mayor Bob Himbeault is certain the wind power project will benefit Assiniboian businesses and the town as a whole. “The economic spinoffs from this project will be felt by this community,” the mayor mentioned during his speech.
“I want to thank those who kept the faith in this project,” said Jeff Jenner, the CEO for Potentia Renewables. Jenner further described crucial details about the project, which purposely avoided environmentally sensitive areas such as marshes and grasslands. Instead, the Golden South Wind Project was designed to be established on cultivated lands. Jenner also briefly touched on Potentia’s future in Saskatchewan as the province continues its transition to cleaner energy. “Golden South represents the first of five projects,” Jenner promised.
During the ceremony, the Honourable David Marit, Minister of Agriculture, the Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation and the MLA for Wood River also spoke a few words in praise of this project, along with Norm Nordgulen, Reeve of the RM of Lake of the Rivers. After the ceremony, there was a reception at the Curling Rink Lounge in the Prince of Wales Cultural and Recreation Centre with about 50 people attending.
