Sarens Installs 83 Wind Turbines for Buffalo Plains Wind Farm In Canada

Sarens is proud to play a key role in the Buffalo Plains Wind Farm project, located near Lomond, Alberta. This significant development, covering 17.500 acres of farmland, involves the installation of 83 new wind turbines, contributing to Canada’s clean energy future. Once operational, the Buffalo Plains Wind Farm will generate 494 megawatts (MW) of clean energy, enough to power over 100.000 homes. By doing so, the project is expected to help reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 795,000 tons per year.

This project marks another step towards Canada’s goal of transitioning to low-carbon energy and enhancing energy stability. As the country continues to invest in renewable energy, the Buffalo Plains Wind Farm will play a crucial role in increasing Canada’s clean energy capacity.

Sarens, the global leader and reference in crane rental, heavy lifting and engineered transport, was commissioned by Borea Construction to offload and install the 83 Siemens wind turbines. The turbines, models Siemens Gamesa 6.0-170 and 5.0-145, each have a nominal capacity of 6,6MW and 5,2MW, respectively. The 6.0-170 model features a hub height of 110,5 metres and a weight of 149,4 tons, while the 5.0-145 model stands at 95,5 metres with a weight of 152.4 tons.

Sarens’ engineering team successfully offloaded and installed 38 turbines of the 145 model and 45 of the 170 model. To accomplish this, we employed a team of 52 workers and utilised a range of specialised equipment, including a boom booster, LG-1750, and two CC-3800 cranes. These cranes were selected for their capability to handle heavy loads at great heights and their ease of relocation, which proved essential for the project’s efficiency.

One of the project’s main challenges was selecting the appropriate cranes to handle the complex lifts while ensuring efficient relocation. The use of the LG-1750, known for its strong lifting capacity at heights, was particularly beneficial in meeting the project’s demands. Additionally, Sarens had to navigate the sandy soil conditions, which required dismantling the cranes more frequently than usual for transportation. High winds, common in the area, also posed a challenge, but the team capitalised on low wind periods to optimise performance and meet project deadlines.

The Buffalo Plains Wind Farm project brings multiple benefits to the Vulcan County area. During construction, it is expected to create up to 300 jobs, with an additional 10 to 15 permanent positions for the local community once the facility is operational. Local businesses have also benefited from the project through supply chain opportunities, including excavation, civil works, road maintenance, and more. Additionally, the project has increased spending on goods and services in the neighbouring areas, further boosting the local economy.

Sarens has a long-standing history of supporting wind energy projects across Canada. Previous projects include the Golden South Wind Project in Assiniboia and the Blue Hill Project in Saskatchewan, where Sarens successfully transported and erected 50 wind turbines. Additionally, Sarens has provided maintenance support at the Whitla Wind facility, the largest wind farm in Alberta, ensuring the ongoing functionality of turbines by handling blade, rotor, gearbox, and main shaft assembly and disassembly.

Sarens | https://www.sarens.com/