Forty Mile Wind Farm powers Alberta with renewables and remarkable benefits 

Posted on June 12, 2025 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

The Forty Mile Wind Farm has officially started commercial operations, marking a significant achievement in renewable energy. Developed by ACCIONA Energía, this facility stands out as one of the country’s largest wind farms and the largest project the company has ever built in North America.

The wind farm features 49 Nordex turbines. Each turbine has a capacity of 5.7 MW and a 108-metre tower height. Combined, the facility boasts a total generation capacity of 280 MW, enough to supply clean energy to tens of thousands of homes. By displacing fossil fuel-based power generation, it will reduce CO2 emissions by 600,000 metric tons annually. To put that into perspective, this is equivalent to planting 25 million trees every year.

Joaquin Castillo, CEO of ACCIONA Energía North America, says, “We’re proud of Forty Mile, not only as ACCIONA Energía’s largest wind farm in North America but also as a construction achievement. The site team did tremendous work battling harsh weather and working around the clock to make this a reality.”

The wind farm is also designed to create waves of economic growth for the surrounding rural area.

Castillo says, “At peak construction, Forty Mile created more than 200 direct jobs, and it will now maintain 25 permanent full-time positions for operations and maintenance. These jobs will have a ripple effect across the local economy. In addition, ACCIONA Energía will keep contributing to the local economy through taxes, along with ongoing support to local non-profit organizations.”

The farm is expected to contribute over CAD $133 million in property tax revenue during its operational lifetime. These funds will support public services and infrastructure across the region, from schools to roads.

Beyond its economic contributions, Forty Mile Wind Farm is making a conscious effort to give back to the community. ACCIONA Energía partners with local non-profits like the Bow Island Food Bank, the Root Cellar Food & Wellness Hub, and the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society.

Castillo concludes, “It’s a powerful example of the economic potential of renewables. Projects like this one don’t just add clean power to the grid — they create jobs, attract investment, and generate positive impact for local communities. We also encourage our employees to be involved with the community. For example, we have hosted a local school with a field trip to the site.”

These efforts reflect ACCIONA Energía’s broader mission to integrate renewable energy projects sustainably and responsibly into the communities where they operate.

Projects like Forty Mile underscore the future of clean energy as a catalyst for economic, environmental, and social progress. From reducing emissions to creating jobs and supporting the surrounding community, the Forty Mile Wind Farm is an example of what’s possible when innovative technology meets thoughtful development.