The Grizzly Bear Creek Wind Farm, located in central Alberta approximately 170 kilometers east of Edmonton, is fully operational and integrated into the provincial electrical grid. Developed by Enel Green Power (via its subsidiary Enel Alberta Wind Inc.), the 152-megawatt (MW) facility completed its main construction and commissioning phases in early 2023. Spanning parts of Minburn and Vermilion River counties, the wind farm features 34 high-capacity megawatt wind turbines designed to optimize energy output while minimizing environmental impact.
Currently, the project generates roughly 528 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of renewable energy annually, enough to power more than 73,000 Alberta households, while offsetting approximately 343,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. Beyond its ongoing contributions to the clean energy grid, Enel continues to maintain local community partnerships established during development, which include funding for local educational programs, sustainable ranching initiatives, and regional mental health campaigns. Also, this project alongside others such as gas projects play a part in powering Alberta’s economy.
November 7, 2022
The Grizzly Bear wind farm project in Alberta, Canada, is nearing completion, having entered the final phase of development. This phase involves the erection and installation of the farm’s 34 wind turbines.
The installation of the wind turbines is being carried out by Sarens. The heavy lifting specialist has reportedly deployed ten units from its crane fleet. The units have capacities of between 1,250 tons (CC6800) and 120 tons (TC-130 120T). They are therefore able to carry out the lifting and installation of the said turbines with weights up to 180t and at heights of 120m.
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The turbines arrived at their final destination at the end of September this year. This early arrival significantly reduced the time required for their installation. Additionally, it reduced the construction company’s logistical and specialized personnel costs.
The Grizzly Bear wind farm, located between Minburn and Vermillion River towns in Alberta, Canada, 170km from Edmonton, is expected to be commissioned late this year. The 152MW wind farm will be operated by Enel Green Power.
Significance of the Grizzly Bear wind farm project in Alberta
The Grizzly Bear wind farm joins Castle Rock Ridge I and II and Riverview Farm which are already contributing 210MW of electricity in the Pincher Creek area of southern Alberta.
The 152MW wind farm is expected to contribute up to 528GWh of green energy to the national grid per year. This will be enough to power more than 73,000 homes in the country. In addition to providing electricity, the wind farm will also save 343,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year.
Noteworthy, the construction of this farm has created more than 250 job positions in the area. Moreover, it is expected to bring almost $80 million in revenue in the form of taxes during its operational time, contributing to the region’s economic development.
Project Factsheet
Project Name: Grizzly Bear Creek Wind Power Project
Developer / Owner: Enel Green Power (via subsidiary Enel Alberta Wind Inc. / Wild Run L.P.)
Location: Counties of Minburn (No. 27) and Vermilion River, Central Alberta (approx. 170 km east of Edmonton, 8 km south of Mannville)
Project Footprint: Spans approximately 18,566 acres
Total Capacity: 152.1 Megawatts (MW)
Status: Fully Operational (Commissioned in early 2023)
Project Lifespan: Estimated 30 years
Technical Specifications
Total Wind Turbines: 34 units
Grid Connection: Dedicated Grizzly Bear Creek Wind Project 708S Substation, hooked into the Alberta Interconnected Electric System (AIES) via a 144 kV transmission line loop.
Generation and Environmental Impact
Annual Energy Production: Approximately 528 Gigawatt-hours (GWh) per year
Household Equivalent: Powers more than 73,000 average Alberta homes annually
Socio-Economic Benefits
Local Tax Revenue: Expected to generate over $80 million in municipal tax revenues over its operational lifecycle.
Employment: Created roughly 250 local jobs during peak construction alongside 7 permanent, full-time local roles in operations and maintenance (O&M).
Community Partnerships: Includes active funding for Lakeland College renewable energy education programs, ALUS Canada sustainable ranching initiatives, and regional mental health campaigns.
Project Team
Developer and Owner: Enel Green Power Canada Inc. (operating locally via its subsidiary Enel Alberta Wind Inc. / Wild Run Limited Partnership).
Turbine Manufacturing and Technology: Vestas supplied the 34 high-capacity wind turbines (specifically deploying the Vestas V150-4.5 MW and V136-4.2 MW models) that power the site.
Grid Interconnection and Infrastructure: ATCO Electric managed the primary civil transmission infrastructure, executing the installation of the 144 kV transmission line loop to hook the dedicated 708S substation into the Alberta grid.
Environmental and Technical Consulting: Engineering and environmental advisory firms GHD Ltd. and RWDI Air Inc. provided the core technical assessments, environmental monitoring, and compliance oversight required by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC).
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