DONG Energy and NaiKun Wind Energy Group have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) which gives DONG Energy the exclusive rights to negotiate a joint development agreement for the Haida Energy Field Offshore Wind Project in British Columbia and explore the potential for establishing a long-term partnership with Naikun Wind Energy Group.
Located in Hecate Strait, between Haida Gwaii and Prince Rupert on the British Columbia mainland, the Haida Energy Field location has some of the strongest, most-consistent winds in the world and comprises of a 550-square kilometer area, DONG Energy said.
The project would feature bottom-fixed structures due to the shallow water at the project location.
DONG Energy, based in Denmark with its North American headquarters in Boston, owns and operates 22 offshore wind farms in Europe.
The Haida Energy Field could significantly contribute to meeting British Columbia’s future energy needs. Offshore wind is a key part of the global shift to increase the use of renewable energy and this project could help to propel British Columbia and Canada into the new energy economy, DONG Energy said.
“This agreement effectively connects the largest offshore wind developer in the world with a project that offers one of the strongest, most-consistent wind resources in the world,” said Michael O’Connor , President and CEO of Naikun.
“Offshore wind is a reliable home-grown energy source and we are excited to explore the Canadian market,” said Thomas Brostrøm , President for DONG Energy Wind Power North America. “We see this opportunity as a first step to bringing offshore wind power to Canada in what could become a strategic partnership with the nation’s front-runner project.”