ARKANSAS, Nov 17 (Future Headlines)- Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), overseeing its Copenhagen Infrastructure IV (CI IV) fund, has initiated the construction of Buffalo Plains, set to become Canada’s largest onshore wind farm upon completion. The project, located in Vulcan County, Alberta, will have a total capacity of 495 MW and will feature 83 Siemens-Gamesa wind turbines. Buffalo Plains is expected to be fully operational by December 2024.

CIP acquired Buffalo Plains in 2022 from ABO Wind, marking its second successful investment in Canada. The project, led by Borea, Canada’s leading renewable energy construction company, is set to create approximately 250 full-time jobs during the construction phase. Once operational, Buffalo Plains will generate enough clean energy to power more than 240,000 homes, delivering significant economic and environmental benefits to the province of Alberta.

Tim Evans, Partner and Head of North America at CIP, expressed the company’s commitment to expanding its portfolio of renewable energy projects in North America. Buffalo Plains is part of CIP’s extensive portfolio, which includes over 29 GW of renewable generating assets, spanning offshore and onshore wind, solar PV, battery storage, pumped storage hydro, and transmission projects in various stages of development, construction, or operation across North America.

Amazon, the Seattle-based technology company, has signed a power purchase agreement to procure 415 MW of output from Buffalo Plains, demonstrating the project’s appeal to major corporations seeking to meet sustainability goals through renewable energy investments.

Buffalo Plains underscores CIP’s unique ability to execute large and complex infrastructure projects, providing local job opportunities and contributing clean, renewable wind energy to the region. The project aligns with CIP’s dedication to greenfield renewable energy investments, making them a global leader in offshore wind.

Norton Rose Fulbright and FIH Partners supported CIP in the transaction. The construction of Buffalo Plains represents a pivotal step in advancing Canada’s renewable energy landscape and contributing to the global transition toward sustainable, low-carbon energy sources.

Reporting by Kevin Wood; Editing by Sarah White