SunBridge Project Connects First Renewable Energy To SaskPower Grid

-- Phase I of the SunBridge Wind Power Project is now generating renewable energy to the SaskPower grid from three test wind turbines in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan. SunBridge is a $20 million partnership (50:50) between Suncor Energy Inc. and Enbridge Inc. to develop this wind power project. Enbridge Pipelines will be the operator of the facility, and SaskPower will purchase the electricity produced at the facility to provide power for federal government buildings in Saskatchewan and other customers. The initiative was stimulated by a 10-year $12.4 million federal government commitment last fall to support green power development in Saskatchewan.

"Green power is flowing and everything is going according to plan," said SunBridge Project Manager Gary Prine. "WeÂ’re running the first three test turbines for about three weeks, and then weÂ’ll switch over to the next three units." Each turbine is generating about 660 kilowatts at full production, said Mr. Prine.

"We hope to have most of the turbines completed and running before winter settles in, " said Mr. Prine, "but the full commissioning and power generation is still scheduled for June 2002." When completed, SunBridge's 17 wind turbines will generate more than 11 megawatts of electricity for distribution through the Saskatchewan power grid.

While six of the projectÂ’s 17 turbines are constructed and commissioned, only three units are currently generating power. The other three turbines are on standby for testing using a temporary power grid connection.

"Given the growth of electricity demand in North America, and the growing focus on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, this project is especially timely," said Pat Daniel, president & CEO of Enbridge. "For Enbridge, this project fits in with our commitment to invest in emerging energy technologies that work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the issue of global climate change."

"Turning wind power into green power for Saskatchewan is a great move toward building SuncorÂ’s alternate and renewable energy business in Canada," said Rick George, president & CEO of Suncor. "SunBridge is part of our parallel path strategy to support the diversification of energy sources over the long term." Mr. George noted that SunBridge is part of SuncorÂ’s commitment to invest $100 million in alternative and renewable energy sources by 2005.

Enbridge Inc. has had a presence in Saskatchewan for over 50 years, and is one of SaskPowerÂ’s largest customers; operating over 3300 kilometres of pipeline through the province. Enbridge is a leader in energy transportation, distribution and services, in North America and internationally.The Calgary-based company operates, in Canada and the U.S., the worldÂ’s longest crude oil and liquids pipeline system, and has a growing involvement in the natural gas transmission business and is involved in emerging alternative and renewable energy technologies such as fuel cells and wind power.Additional information about Enbridge is available on the companyÂ’s web site at www.enbridge.com.