After many years of development, and nine months of heavy lifting, the 10 Sevion 3.2 M114 CCV wind turbines are now providing power to the province’s electricity grid.
The Pennask project is located just west of Pennask Summit, north of Highway 97C and the Shinish Creek project is located 30 kilometres west of Summerland.
WATCH: Turbines to start spinning in the Okanagan in 2017
The two facilities are on Crown land and were developed in connection with the Penticton Indian Band, and the Westbank First Nation, Upper Nicola Band.
“Through the Okanagan Wind projects, we are pleased to continue a commitment to clean energy initiatives. We are proud to be a part of the process since development, through construction and now in operations alongside other local contractors to ensure the best results for our future,” Chief Roxanne Lindley of the Westbank First Nation said. “Our partnership and collaboration on these facilities helps to harness the natural wind energy supplied by our region, while bringing tangible benefits for our community members.”
The clean energy generated by Okanagan Wind is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in B.C by 60,000 tonnes a year.
“I would like to thank Okanagan Wind, the past PIB leadership and our staff who worked hard to conclude this agreement. The Penticton Indian Band affirms our responsibility to take care of the land and all living things within our ancestral Title lands,” Chief Chad Eneas of the Penticton Indian Band said.
The projects represent about six per cent of the province’s wind energy, enough to power approximately 9,000 homes.