ACCIONA’s wind farm in Forty Mile is creating an impact

Posted on October 1, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Take a drive about six kilometres east of Bow Island into the County of Forty Mile No. 8, and you’ll be “blown away” by a massive project that is creating a tangible impact in the region. It’s the Forty Mile Wind Farm by ACCIONA Energía.

The Forty Mile Wind Farm is ACCIONA Energía’s fifth Canadian project. It also has the distinction of being among the 10 largest wind farms in the nation.

A rep from ACCIONA Energía explains, “The project began operations in May 2025 and features 49 Nordex turbines, each with a capacity of 5.7 MW and a tower height of 108 metres. With a total installed capacity of 280 MW, the wind farm generates enough clean energy to power more than 85,000 homes and avoids approximately 600,000 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, equivalent to planting approximately 25 million trees.”

However, that is not all. When the project was at peak construction, it created 200 jobs. Now that it is running, it supports 25 permanent and maintenance jobs.

“The Forty Mile Wind Farm is also part of ACCIONA Energía’s Social Impact Management (SIM) program, through which a portion of the project’s annual revenues is reinvested in initiatives that support the local community,” the rep continues. “To date, ACCIONA Energía has contributed more than CAD $550,000 to organizations and projects focused on food security, community services and support for vulnerable residents in the region.”

Locally, that means support includes the Root Cellar Food and Wellness Hub in Medicine Hat, which received assistance to renovate its volunteer facilities, purchase a refrigerated vehicle for transporting fresh produce, and install solar panels to help reduce operating costs.

“Funding has also supported the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society in upgrading and expanding facilities for residents and families, as well as the County of Forty Mile Food Bank in Bow Island in purchasing food and supplies for local families and supporting its Meals-on-Wheels program,” the rep adds.

Funding recipients were selected for projects that strengthen community well-being, improve access to essential services, and provide meaningful, long-term benefits for residents throughout the region.

ACCIONA Energía is happy to note that the project appears to be well received by the local community.

“There were some questions and concerns during the development and construction phases, which is normal for a project of this size. Through open and ongoing communication, we were able to address those concerns and build positive and respectful relationships with the community and other stakeholders, as well as strong relationships with the County of Forty Mile and local landowners.”

 The winds of change continue to blow, and thanks to ACCIONA Energía, those winds are moving in sustainable energy and community enrichment.