Construction hiring begins as K2 Wind Power project moves forward

The K2 Wind Power Project (K2 Wind) has begun hiring workers for the construction of one of Ontario’s most promising renewable energy projects following a ruling by the Environmental Review Tribunal, which dismissed the appeal of K2’s Renewable Energy Approval.

The 270 megawatt (MW) K2 wind power project will use 140 Ontario-made wind turbines. Over 1,000 workers from across southwestern Ontario will be involved in the manufacturing and assembly of the wind turbines, site construction and operations. K2 Wind held an employment and supplier recruiting event in Goderich on February 12. Over 270 people attended the event, which was designed to engage workers and companies in the area and region. Expressions of interest in available positions can be emailed to K2Wind@capitalpower.com.

Upon completion, the K2 wind power project will generate clean, renewable energy equal to the needs of approximately 100,000 Ontario homes each year. Once in operation, K2 Wind is expected to inject between $5 and $6 million in direct spending into the local economy each year of its operation. K2 Wind is being developed jointly by Samsung Renewable Energy, Inc. (Samsung), Pattern Energy Group LP (Pattern Development) and Capital Power LP (Capital Power).

“We conduct a great deal of preparation for our projects, working with the community to build the best project possible – and we’re pleased the tribunal agreed with that position,” said Mike Garland, CEO of Pattern Development. “As the construction process begins, we’re looking to hire for hundreds of jobs at the K2 Wind project… We look forward to being good neighbors for the long-term and making meaningful contributions to community-based initiatives and local families.”

K2 Wind has created a Community Benefits Fund Agreement with the Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh to deliver approximately $15 million in funding for community initiatives over the next 20 years. K2 Wind will generate more than $3.2 million in annual revenue to some 90 farm families through land lease agreements and other benefits. In addition, K2 Wind’s Community Renewable Energy Benefit will provide an annual payment of $1500 to the owner of any residence located within one kilometre of Project infrastructure during the Project’s operation. More information about the Project is available at www.K2Wind.ca.

Initial construction activities are expected to commence in the first quarter of 2014, with commercial operation anticipated in the second half of 2015. Power from the project will be sold to the Ontario Power Authority.