Firm gets licences for 3 proposed wind farms in Manitoba

A private energy company says it has moved a step closer to building three new wind farms in southern Manitoba after obtaining provincial Environment Act licences for the projects.

Sequoia Energy Inc. says its proposed wind farms near Killarney, Miami and Elie would produce enough energy to power 100,000 homes.

The company must still get the stamp of approval from Manitoba Hydro in order to develop the wind farms and sell the energy.

But Sequoia president Bob Spensley is happy with the latest development in the company’s quest.

“Obtaining three Environment Act licences is a significant step for anyone, and frankly, the industry is further ahead as a result,” he said.

“It indicates that the government is thinking these are good for the province, and we’re working towards the day when we can announce ‘yes,’ these projects will be built.”

Several other companies have also applied to Manitoba Hydro to build wind farms.

Spensley believes receiving the three environmental licences will put his company ahead of the competition, though.

He expects Manitoba Hydro will decide early next year which wind projects it will approve.