Forty Mile Wind project: Powering Alberta’s clean energy future

The Forty Mile Wind project is a 280MW renewable energy development in Alberta, set to become Canada’s largest wind farm at full buildout of phase 2. RES developed the project, managing all early-stage development and securing key partnerships. It continued as Balance of Plant construction contractor, ensuring project delivery and supporting Alberta’s clean energy transition alongside ACCIONA Energía.

Project Outcomes

• 280MW
  generating capacity from phase 1
• 250+
  jobs created during peak construction
• 49 turbines
  built during phase 1  

The Challenge

Alberta’s growing demand for clean, reliable power, paired with Canada’s push toward net-zero emissions, has created a pressing need for large-scale renewable energy infrastructure. While the province possesses strong wind resources, developing utility-scale projects in rural regions requires community engagement, complex stakeholder coordination, and access to federal and provincial incentives.

RES faced the challenge of delivering its largest Canadian project to date while ensuring long-term economic and environmental benefits for the local community.

The Solution 

RES developed the Forty Mile Wind project, located approximately 6 kilometres from Bow Island in Alberta. The project was structured into two phases: Phase 1 features 49 turbines with a total generating capacity of approximately 280MW, and Phase 2 will include 20 turbines with an additional capacity of 120MW.

In 2023, RES completed the asset sale to ACCIONA Energía while retaining its role as the Balance of Plant construction contractor. Together, RES and ACCIONA worked closely with local agencies, landowners, and the community to support a seamless transition and maximise local benefits.

The project’s power output is backed by a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement with Cenovus Energy, helping the company reduce its electricity-related emissions, while additional capacity supports Alberta’s merchant power and carbon offset markets. Federal and provincial programmes such as the SREP, Clean Technology ITC, and Alberta’s TIER regulation also played a pivotal role in enabling project financing and development.

The Impact 

The Forty Mile Wind project is now supplying renewable electricity to Alberta’s grid as of October 2024 and is set to become Canada’s largest wind farm when fully built out. At full capacity, it will generate enough clean energy to power nearly 230,000 Albertan homes.

During peak construction, the project created approximately 250 jobs and stimulated the local economy. ACCIONA Energía’s Social Impact Management program will further invest in community priorities like education and environmental programmes.

As RES’ seventh Alberta project and 23rd in Canada, Forty Mile cements RES’ leadership in advancing the energy transition across North America.