Wind opportunities available, new gas plant being considered

With new records for power use being set every year, and increasing demand for power by customers, SaskPower is continuing to plan for the future supply of electricity in Saskatchewan. Today, two major steps in that future plans were announced: the beginning of a competitive procurement process to add wind power to the mix, and site considerations for a possible natural gas plant.

"We're committed to making sure our province has the power it needs, when it needs it," said Gordon Wyant, Minister Responsible for SaskPower. "The addition of wind projects will help us reach our goal of up to 50 per cent of power from renewable sources by 2030. As well, being prepared for the possibility of adding another natural gas plant will help ensure the supply of baseload power, available 24/7, is enough to meet Saskatchewan's needs well into the future."

SaskPower has begun the competitive process to buy up to 200 megawatts (MW) from independent power producers. The Request for Qualification Stage is underway, with the Request for Proposal stage beginning later this year. The Ministry of Environment's recently released Wildlife Siting Guidelines for Saskatchewan Wind Energy Projects will be used to help proponents identify suitable sites.

It's expected the project will be in service in late 2020. This new wind generation will support SaskPower's goals of increasing the amount of power in the generation mix from around five percent today to up to 30 per cent in 2030. More information can be found at: www.saskpower.com/our-power-future/renewables-roadmap.

In addition, SaskPower is considering where to locate the province's next natural gas plant, which could be needed as early as 2022.

"Our future planning has shown a potential need for another gas plant to meet the rising demand for power," said Mike Marsh, SaskPower President & CEO. "Natural gas continues to be critical to our supply mix. It's less expensive than many other options, and highly efficient. It's also an ideal backup to our renewable sources, when they aren't able to generate all the power we need."

SaskPower uses a number of criteria to assess the potential for a new site. Four general areas are being considered - West Sherwood (north of Regina), Rowatt, Belle Plaine and the Moose Jaw Industrial Park. Open houses will be held in the areas to gather information and public input. More information will be shared as the project develops.

For more information on SaskPower's supply options, visit saskpower.com. #PowerToGrow

At a glance...

• RFQ for up to 200 MW of wind is now underway.
• The project is expected to be in-service in late 2020.
• Siting consultations being held for a possible natural gas plant, which may be needed as early as 2022.
• Identified potential sites are: West Sherwood, Rowatt, Belle Plaine and Moose Jaw Industrial Park.