MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--EDF EN Canada Inc., a subsidiary of EDF Energies Nouvelles, announces the commercial operation of the Massif du Sud Wind Project (150 MW) and the first phase of the Lac Alfred Wind Project (150 MW) both located in Quebec.
Massif du Sud and Lac Alfred represent two of the seven wind energy projects in total awarded to the company in 2008 and 2010 through Hydro-Quebec Distribution calls for tenders. By the end of 2015, EDF EN Canada will have developed and built a total of 1,003.2 MW in the province.
The Lac Alfred Phase 1 project is located in the municipalities of Saint-Cléophas, Sainte-Irène, Saint-Zénon-du-Lac-Humqui and the unorganized territory (UT) of Lac Alfred in the MRC de La Matapédia and in the municipality of La Rédemption and UT Lac-à-la-Croix in the MRC de La Mitis. Massif du Sud is located in the municipalities of Saint-Luc-de-Bellechasse and Saint-Magloire in the MRC des Etchemins and in the municipalities of Notre-Dame-Auxiliatrice-de-Buckland and Saint-Philémon in the MRC de Bellechasse. Both projects are comprised of 75 wind turbines each supplied by REpower and made with regionally manufactured blades, towers and converters.
With a combined investment (Massif du Sud and Lac Alfred Phase 1) of close to $700 million, the projects together created more than 600 jobs during the construction phase, and will provide 20-30 permanent operations and maintenance jobs. Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB) (NYSE:ENB) participates in both Massif du Sud and Lac Alfred (phase 1 and phase 2) as a co-owner through a 50 percent investment.
EDF EN Canada Inc.'s operation and maintenance affiliate, EDF Renewable Services Canada Inc., will provide long-term operations and maintenance (O&M) services. Hydro-Quebec will buy the power under 20-year power purchase agreements (PPA).
“The reception and support from the communities, municipalities and the parc regional du Massif du Sud have greatly contributed to the success of these valuable wind projects. We are proud today to announce the commissioning and to commence delivery of clean energy to the region,” commented Al Kurzenhauser, COO for EDF EN Canada. “Bringing Massif du Sud and Lac Alfred Phase 1 to completion is a result of outstanding efforts by REpower, CER, Borea and our construction team who worked together to overcome challenges due to complex sites and in particular adverse weather conditions. The entire team performed with professional diligence, always putting safety first while maintaining respect of the environment.”
Alex Couture, Project Development Director for EDF EN Canada further, added, “Throughout the 20-year contract with Hydro-Quebec, the municipalities concerned by these projects will receive a combined annual contribution of over $600,000. The Corporation d’aménagement du parc régional du Massif du Sud will also receive an annual contribution of about $75,000.”
“We are happy about the ongoing excellent cooperation with EDF EN Canada and the team effort displayed in the projects we have realized together so far. Our common projects resulted in a record of Canadian installations in 2012 and the wind turbines of the MM82 and MM92 type in a special cold climate version were delivered, installed and commissioned within less than one year. As the business in Quebec and other provinces grows, so does our dedicated and highly skilled team of local employees,” said Helmut Herold, Managing Director of REpower’s Canadian subsidiary, REpower Systems Inc.
EDF EN Canada commissioned its first wind project, Saint-Robert-Bellarmin (80 MW), in October 2012 and is currently constructing Lac Alfred Phase 2 (150 MW) with an expected operational date of December 2013. In total, the Company has placed into service 380 MW in the last four months in Quebec which created employment opportunities for nearly 750 people in the development and construction phase.
Projects at a glance:
|
Lac Alfred Phase 1 |
Massif du Sud |
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| Location | Bas-Saint-Laurent Region |
Chaudiere-Appalaches Region |
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| Installed Capacity | 150 MW | 150 MW | |||||||||||
| Annual Yield | 500,000 MWh |
500,000 MWh |
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| Turbines | 75 REpower turbines | 75 REpower turbines | |||||||||||
| Equivalent Homes Served | About 35,000 | About 35,000 | |||||||||||
| Construction Company | Borea | CER | |||||||||||
| Construction Start Date | June 2011 | November 2011 | |||||||||||
| Energy Purchaser | Hydro-Quebec Distribution | Hydro-Quebec Distribution | |||||||||||
| Peak Work Force | More than 350 jobs during peak construction | More than 250 jobs during peak construction | |||||||||||
About EDF EN Canada Inc.:
EDF EN Canada, an EDF Energies Nouvelles Company, is a market leader in renewable energy development, with an integrated approach that covers every aspect of project origination and implementation through to electricity generation, operations and maintenance. The company offers financial strength, technical innovation and an unmatched commitment to customer service. EDF EN Canada draws on the market leadership of EDF Renewable Energy, formerly enXco, EDF EN’s American affiliate. EDF Energies Nouvelles is a subsidiary of the EDF group. www.edf-energies-nouvelles.com, www.edf-en.ca
About EDF Renewable Services Inc.:
EDF Renewable Services Inc. – formerly enXco Service Corporation – is the leading third-party provider of operations and maintenance services in North America. With 25 years of experience, EDF Renewable Services understands renewable energy facilities represent a substantial investment. The company takes an owner-operator approach to ensure maximum returns on the asset, full project value, and ongoing profitability for new and existing facilities. As part of a global organization with utility-scale wind and solar plants, the company brings depth of experience to every project. With more than 6 gigawatts of wind and solar under contract, EDF Renewable Services is the trusted leader in O&M. For more information visit: www.edf-renewable-services.com