GENERATION

SunBridge Project Connects First Renewable Energy to SaskPower Grid

"Green power is flowing and everything is going according to plan," said SunBridge Project Manager Gary Prine. "We're running the first three test turbines for about three weeks, and then we'll switch over to the next three units." Each turbine is generating about 660 kilowatts at full production, said Mr. Prine.

"We hope to have most of the turbines completed and running before winter settles in, " said Mr. Prine, "but the full commissioning and power generation is still scheduled for June 2002." When completed, SunBridge's 17 wind turbines will generate more than 11 megawatts of electricity for distribution through the Saskatchewan power grid.

While six of the project's 17 turbines are constructed and commissioned, only three units are currently generating power. The other three turbines are on standby for testing using a temporary power grid connection.

"Given the growth of electricity demand in North America, and the growing focus on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, this project is especially timely," said Pat Daniel, president and CEO of Enbridge. "For Enbridge, this project fits in with our commitment to invest in emerging energy technologies that work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the issue of global climate change."

"Turning wind power into green power for Saskatchewan is a great move toward building Suncor's alternate and renewable energy business in Canada," said Rick George, president and CEO of Suncor. "SunBridge is part of our parallel path strategy to support the diversification of energy sources over the long term."

Mr. George noted that SunBridge is part of Suncor's commitment to invest $100 million in alternative and renewable energy sources by 2005.

A New Generation of Sustainable Power
Wind power provides electricity without generating air or water emissions, or producing hazardous waste. Using this renewable source of energy also helps conserve other natural resources such as coal, oil and natural gas, which are traditionally used to produce electricity.

Although Canada's wind energy will likely never supply all of the country's electrical requirements, this clean, renewable energy source has the potential to supply up to 20 per cent of its total power needs in the future.

SunBridge's Facilities
The SunBridge project consists of 17 wind turbine generators located on four sections of land in the Regional Municipality of Webb. SunBridge based the final siting of the turbines on wind information, environmental assessment, and feedback from the regulatory and public consultation process.

The wind turbines are made by Vestas, a leading turbine manufacturer. Each turbine is mounted on a tubular tower rising 65 metres from the ground, and has a three-blade rotor measuring 47 metres in diameter. At full production, each turbine will produce and deliver up to 660 kilowatts of electricity to SaskPower.

Currently, six turbines are erected and commissioned, of which three are generating electricity to the provincial grid. Construction will begin on the remaining 11 turbines in September.

Once SaskPower completes its new 72 kilovolt substation, which is expected to be finished by the end of October 2001, all 17 wind turbines will be capable of producing power onto Saskatchewan's electrical grid.

SunBridge and the Environment
Earlier this spring, Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management (SERM) gave SunBridge permission to proceed with construction of the wind turbines and power distribution system. After evaluating the results of an environmental review, SERM and Natural Resources Canada were satisfied that all potential environmental impacts associated with the wind project development have been, or will be, addressed.

Prior to construction, SunBridge's management team completed an avian survey, a rare plants survey, and a Heritage Resources Impact Assessment to ensure the project's impact is adequately addressed, particularly in native grassland areas.

Project Partners
Enbridge Inc. has had a presence in Saskatchewan for over 50 years, and is one of SaskPower's largest customers; operating over 3,300 kilometres of pipeline through the province. Enbridge is a leader in energy transportation, distribution and services, in North America and internationally.

Suncor Energy Inc. is an integrated Canadian energy company with headquarters in Calgary, Alberta. The company is a leader in mining and extracting crude oil from the oil sands deposits of Northern Alberta. Suncor is also a conventional natural gas producer in Western Canada and operates a refining and marketing business in Ontario under the Sunoco brand.