TransAlta plans to design, build and operate a 66-megawatt wind power project in southern Alberta. The capital cost of the project is estimated at $115 million. Commercial operations are expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Located four kilometres from Fort Macleod, the wind farm will incorporate 22, three-MW wind turbines. Once complete, the Blue Trail wind farm will provide an annual average of 195,000 megawatt hours per year - enough electricity to meet the needs of approximately 29,000 homes.

Delivery of the V90 turbines from Vestas is scheduled to begin mid-2009. TransAlta will work with local firms during construction. The project is subject to regulatory and environmental approvals.

The announcement of the Blue Trail wind power project follows TransAlta's announcement of the 96 MW Kent Hills wind farm, located in New Brunswick. TransAlta also owns and/or operates the Castle River, McBride Lake and Summerview wind farms in southern Alberta. The addition of the Blue Trail wind power project brings TransAlta's total net wind-generated capacity to 314 MW.