Overview
Wintering Hills is an 88 MW onshore wind farm in Alberta, Canada, operated by Suncor/Teck. It contributes to Canada's renewable energy capacity under provincial renewable portfolio standards.
Wintering Hills is an onshore wind farm located in Alberta, Canada, with a capacity of 88 megawatts. The facility is owned by Suncor and Teck, two major Canadian energy companies, and is currently operational. This wind farm is part of Alberta's growing renewable energy sector, which benefits from the province's Renewable Electricity Program and federal incentives under the Clean Fuel Regulations. The wind farm utilizes modern wind turbine technology to generate electricity from Alberta's wind resources. With an 88 MW capacity, it is considered a medium-to-large scale wind installation in the Canadian context. The facility operates under Alberta's competitive electricity market, where renewable energy projects compete with conventional sources. The regulatory framework includes the Alberta Renewable Electricity Program, which supports new renewable capacity through long-term contracts. Wintering Hills plays a role in diversifying Alberta's energy mix, which has historically been dominated by fossil fuels. By generating clean electricity, the wind farm helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and supports Canada's target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The facility also contributes to local economic development through job creation and land lease payments to landowners.
Environmental context
The wind farm is situated in the prairie region of Alberta, an area with strong and consistent winds ideal for wind energy generation. The local environment includes agricultural land and grasslands, which can be impacted by turbine placement. Wind farms in this region may affect bird and bat populations, though proper siting and mitigation measures are typically employed. The project's environmental impact assessment would have addressed these concerns, and ongoing monitoring ensures compliance with provincial regulations.
Frequently asked questions
Wintering Hills is located in Alberta, Canada, approximately at latitude 51.2214 and longitude -112.5779.
Wintering Hills has a capacity of 88 megawatts, making it a medium-to-large scale wind farm in Canada.
Wintering Hills is owned by Suncor and Teck, two major Canadian energy companies.
Wind energy in Alberta is supported by the Alberta Renewable Electricity Program and the province's Renewable Portfolio Standard, which aims to increase renewable energy generation.
Wintering Hills generates clean electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and helping Canada achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050.