SAN FRANCISCO, April 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Pattern Energy Group LP (Pattern) today announced its St. Joseph Wind project – the largest wind farm in Manitoba – has completed construction and is now fully operational. The 138 megawatt (MW) wind energy project, which is located in the southern Manitoba community of St. Joseph, can produce enough clean power every year to serve the needs of 50,000 homes in the Manitoba area.

"The St. Joseph wind project created 350 jobs during its construction, 75% of which came from Manitoba, with another 20% from other Canadian provinces, in addition to the permanent crew of 10 workers we hired to operate and maintain the project," said Mike Garland, CEO of Pattern Energy. "The success of this project is due to the support and commitment of all those involved, including the Province of Manitoba, Mortenson Canada, local landowners and the great community of St. Joseph. By working together to harness the steady winds of St. Joseph, we have created jobs, revenue, and a significant source of clean and renewable energy for Manitobans."  

Manitoba Minister of Innovation, Energy and Mines, David Chomiak, spoke at the opening ceremony of the St. Joseph Wind project, which Pattern held today to celebrate the commencement of operations.

"This wind farm is one of the largest in the country and will produce enough energy to power 50,000 homes," said Minister Chomiak.  "It showcases our province's dedication to creating renewable energy and continuing to build Manitoba Hydro.  This project has also provided a solid boost to the local economy creating new opportunities and jobs."

"We commend the excellent and timely work of Mortenson Canada, which completed the construction of this world-class wind project in just under a year – an extraordinary timeline for a project of this size and scope, especially considering the harsh winter conditions," added Garland.

The St. Joseph Wind farm will generate significant revenue for the local area. Over the life of the project, Pattern will pay an estimated $38 million to landholders and an additional $44 million in local municipal taxes, with two-thirds of the tax revenue dedicated to education and one-third committed to the host communities.

In January, the first group of turbines was set in motion by Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger. Now fully operational, the wind farm will contribute to a regional reduction of more than 350,000 tons of greenhouse gases.  Prior to completion, Pattern and Manitoba Hydro entered into a 27-year power purchase agreement for the sale of energy produced by the project.

ABOUT PATTERN ENERGY GROUP LP

Pattern Energy Group LP is an independent, fully integrated energy company that develops, constructs, owns, and operates renewable energy and transmission assets in the United States, Canada and Latin America.  With a long history in wind energy, Pattern's highly-experienced team of scientists, engineers, construction experts, and legal and financial professionals has developed, financed and placed into operation more than 2,500 MW of wind power projects.  Pattern's development pipeline exceeds 4,000 MW of renewable energy projects and includes multiple transmission projects.  Pattern currently has 520 MW of wind energy in operation in the U.S. and in southern Manitoba, Canada.  With offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Houston, New York, and Toronto, Pattern is strongly committed to promoting environmental stewardship and is dedicated to working closely with landowners and communities to develop and operate premier renewable energy projects.  For more information, please visit www.patternenergy.com.

Contact:

Matt Dallas
Pattern Energy
917-363-1333
matt.dallas@patternenergy.com

SOURCE Pattern Energy