Pattern Energy Group completes largest wind facility in British Columbia

Meikle Wind Power Facility in British Columbia

Pattern Energy Group announced the completion of its 184.6 megawatt (MW) Meikle Wind power project located in British Columbia, approximately 33 km north of Tumbler Ridge.

“Meikle Wind is now the largest wind facility in British Columbia, increasing the installed wind power capacity in the province by 37 percent,” said Mike Garland, CEO of Pattern Development.

Other partners include BC Hydro, general contractor Borea Construction and turbine supplier GE.

The project’s innovative layout, developed in collaboration with GE, incorporates two different turbine models consisting of varying rotor sizes and hub heights.  This design was developed to capture the most energy from the ridgelines, accounting for varying wind speeds, wind shear, turbulence and inflow angles.

Meikle Wind is located within an area that was significantly impacted by pine beetle kill and previous forestry activity, reducing the overall environmental impact of the project.

Meikle Wind is generating strong benefits for the province with an estimated $70 million in payments for property taxes, Crown lease payments, wind participation rent, and community benefits over the first 25 years of operations.

The 184.6 MW Meikle Wind facility expanded British Columbia’s total installed wind capacity to 673.6 MW, according to the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA).

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