Canada: NaiKun, Siemens Sign Agreement for Offshore Wind Project

NaiKun Wind Energy Group Inc. has announced that it has signed a preferred supplier agreement (PSA) with Siemens Canada Limited.

Siemens, the largest manufacturer of offshore wind turbines in the world, will be assisting Naikun Wind in advancing the development of the first phase of its project, using 100 of Siemens New SWT-4.0-130 4MW turbines. The agreement specifies that the two parties will exclusively explore the opportunities for a joint execution of the Company’s project.

Siemens and Naikun Wind will cooperate in advancing the project in British Columbia and Siemens will also cooperate with the foundation designer in the design and certification of the turbine tower, transition piece and foundation.

Mike O’Connor, President and CEO of Naikun Wind stated: “We are very pleased to have reached this agreement with Siemens, the recognized leader in offshore wind in the world. Their expertise will be invaluable in developing the first phase of the Haida Energy Field and we look forward to working with their experienced staff.”

NaiKun Wind is a British Columbia based renewable energy company. Located on B.C.’s northwest coast, where the wind resource is one of the strongest and most consistent in the world, NaiKun Wind’s 400MW offshore wind project would generate enough energy to provide electricity to 130,000 B.C. homes.

If the project does proceed it is expected to result in an estimated 500 jobs during construction, 50 permanent jobs for maintenance and operations and more than $400 million in direct expenditures in the province during construction, of which $250 million will benefit North Coast communities.

The NaiKun Wind project is at an advanced stage of development with environmental approvals from the Provincial and Federal Governments and agreements in place with key suppliers and First Nations. Given its development status, construction can begin within two years of the award of an electricity purchase agreement. 

[mappress]

Press release, December 23, 2012; Image: Siemens