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Step forward for Naikun Energy

BC's Environmental Assessment Office has approved the terms of reference for the NaiKun Wind Energy Group's offshore wind project in Hecate Strait.NaiKun president Ray Castelli said the approval was an "important step forward" for the company, which is aiming to install hundreds of wind turbines off the northeast coast of Graham Island.If approved, the project will be Canada's first offshore wind farm and its first phase will produce 320 MV. Although most of the power will go the mainland grid, the project now includes a proposed "Haidalink" which could provide power for the islands.The terms of reference outline the information that must be included in the application for an environmental assessment certificate, the next step in the assessment process.Mr. Castelli said that now that the Environmental Assessment Office has approved the terms of reference, NaiKun will be gathering more information, conducting studies, collecting data and preparing the final analysis for its formal application submission. The submission should be complete by late this year, he said.The assessment process will look at the project's impacts and identify ways to mitigate or minimize adverse effects."The environmental assessment review is an important process which not only identifies potential environmental issues but also helps developers like NaiKun to engage the local community and focus on public outreach initiatives to ensure accurate project information is available," Mr. Castelli said.