Overview
Magrath is a 30 MW onshore wind farm in Alberta, Canada, owned by Suncor, EHN, and Enbridge. It generates renewable electricity for the provincial grid.
Magrath is an operational onshore wind farm located near the town of Magrath in southern Alberta, Canada. With a capacity of 30 megawatts, it is a medium-scale wind facility contributing to the region's renewable energy portfolio. The wind farm is owned by a consortium including Suncor, EHN, and Enbridge, reflecting collaboration between energy companies in Canada's wind sector. The facility operates under Alberta's renewable energy framework, which includes the Renewable Electricity Act and a competitive auction system for new capacity. Alberta has a target of 30% renewable electricity by 2030, and wind power is a key technology for achieving this goal. The 30 MW scale is typical for wind farms in the province, which often range from 20 to 100 MW. Magrath's wind turbines harness the consistent winds of southern Alberta, a region known for its wind resource. The electricity generated is fed into the Alberta Interconnected Electric System, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The project also contributes to local economic development through land lease payments and construction jobs.
Environmental context
Southern Alberta features a semi-arid climate with strong, persistent winds, making it ideal for wind energy generation. The region's open prairie landscape minimizes visual impact concerns, though wind farms can affect bird and bat populations. Proper siting and mitigation measures, such as curtailment during migration periods, are commonly employed to reduce wildlife risks.
Frequently asked questions
The Magrath wind farm is located near the town of Magrath in southern Alberta, Canada, approximately 200 km south of Calgary.
The Magrath wind farm has a capacity of 30 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale wind facility.
The Magrath wind farm is owned by a consortium including Suncor, EHN, and Enbridge, which are major energy companies in Canada.
Alberta's Renewable Electricity Act and competitive auction system support wind energy development, with a target of 30% renewable electricity by 2030.
The Magrath wind farm feeds electricity into the Alberta Interconnected Electric System, helping to diversify the province's energy mix and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.