Spanish renewables developer ACCIONA Energía has acquired the 280MW Forty Mile wind farm in Bow Island, Forty Mile County, Alberta, Canada, from Renewable Energy Systems (RES) Canada.

RES will continue working on the project as the balance of plant construction contractor on behalf of ACCIONA Energía, which aims to reach the operational stage in early 2025.

ACCIONA North America CEO Joaquin Castillo stated: “This acquisition aligns with our long-term view of expanding ACCIONA Energía’s renewable portfolio and underscores our commitment to a greener, more sustainable future. The project not only strengthens our operational footprint but also reinforces our commitment to local communities.

“Through our Social Impact Management programme, ACCIONA Energía will reinvest a portion of its annual revenue to support education, wellness and environmental stewardship programmes in the local community.”

Forty Mile was developed by RES and will be built in two phases. Phase one features 49 turbines with a total generating capacity of 280MW.

The turbines will be supplied by German turbine-maker Nordex.

The optional second phase will feature 21 turbines with a total capacity of 120MW.

If the second-phase option is exercised, the wind farm will have a total capacity of 400MW, sufficient to meet the needs of 230,000 Canadian homes.

Power generated from the wind farm will be transmitted to the Alberta Interconnected Electric System through a new transmission line to be built by RES.

Canadian energy company Cenovus Energy is the offtaker for the project via a virtual power purchase agreement.

ACCIONA Energía began construction on the project in August 2023. During the peak construction period 250 local jobs will be created, with 25 permanent job opportunities after operations commence.

The companies have also stated that they will continue working with the stakeholders, including local governmental agencies and landowners, to support the transition process and bring maximum benefits to the community.