Entegrus is jumping on the opportunity to become a 15% owner in the proposed North Kent Wind Project.
The ownership option was part of a package of benefits offered to the municipality by Samsung and Pattern in exchange for Chatham-Kent Council support of the wind farm. Entegrus CEO Jim Hogan says the board has already accepted the offer.
"It is an opportunity for Entegrus and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent to keep as much of the revenues here in Ontario," says Hogan. "There's still going to be some more renewable energy, so what's the best way that we can find the benefits for our community?"
Director and Vice President of Pattern Development Colin Edwards says the incentives they offered were all part of getting the municipality on board.
"They're tough, but fair negotiatiors and they told us what they wanted and we had a different package that we were able to offer," says Edwards. "Our business is founded on local support and the kind of leadership we see in Chatham-Kent is uncommon in Ontario -- we're just delighted to be back."
Phase 1 of the proposed project would see 40 to 50 turbines built while the second phase would add another 20 to 40 turbines. The project still needs further regulatory approvals before construction can go ahead.
With files from Matt Weverink
