BluEarth Renewables today announced that through its subsidiary, BER Hand Hills Wind LP, it signed a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Shell Energy North America (Canada), Inc. Accordingly, this agreement will support the construction of the 130MW Hand Hills Wind Project in Drumheller, Alberta, Canada.
Moreover, Shell Energy will purchase the electricity and associated emission offsets from 100MW of the project’s capacity. Finally, the project will commence commercial operations in late 2022
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BluEarth Renewables on signing a PPA with Shell Energy
Today, BluEarth Renewables announced through its subsidiary BER Hand Hills Wind LP that it signed a long-term PPA with Shell Energy. Therefore, this agreement will support the 130MW Hand Hills Wind Project’s construction in Alberta, Canada.
Notably, Shell Energy will purchase the electricity and associated emission offsets from 100MW of the project’s capacity. Besides, BluEarth expects the project to commence commercial operations in 2022.
In fact, this project will create approximately 175 jobs at peak construction or 225 000 person-hours of employment during construction. Besides, it will provide indirect revenue to the local municipality in the local services and supplies.
Additionally, the project will help contribute significant and stable long-term property tax revenue to the local economy over the life of operations. Finally, the energy to be generated is equivalent to powering approximately 65 000 homes annually.
“Shell is leading the way to become a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050, in step with society;” said Grant Arnold, President & CEO of BluEarth. Therefore, “we are thrilled to work with the company on its journey to address climate change. Also, to offset greenhouse gas emissions.”
Reception and Outlook
Also, “the Hand Hills Wind Project is the fourth construction project we have announced in Alberta within the last 12 months. Moreover, the deployment of renewable energy is enabling job creation and economic activity in communities across the province. In brief, we are excited to be part of Alberta’s deregulated electricity market, which continues to support investment.”
“We are pleased to be working with BluEarth to enable the development of the Hand Hills Wind Project in Alberta by purchasing renewable power;” said Carolyn Comer, Senior Vice President Shell Energy Americas. Hence, “projects like Hand Hills are integral to the energy transition. Notably, as businesses, governments and consumers seek ways to lower their carbon emissions.”
Dale Nally, Associate Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity, commented; “we are pleased to see this major BluEarth project. Also, to see many other renewable energy projects, moving forward in Alberta. For instance, through corporate partnerships like the one between Shell Energy and BluEarth; companies are demonstrating how Alberta’s energy-only electricity market can help spur innovation and ensure a low-carbon future.”
Moreover, “this project adds to the over CAN$2 billion in market-based renewable generation projects announced since July 2019. Besides, it shows that Alberta is Canada’s leading destination for investment in this fast-growing sector.”
