Greentech Lead Canada: EDF EN Canada, a subsidiary of EDF Energies Nouvelles, has announced 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.
Both projects are comprised of 75 wind turbines each supplied by REpower and made with regionally manufactured blades, towers and converters.
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-
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 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 will provide long-term operations and maintenance (O&M) services. Hydro-Quebec will buy the power under 20-year power purchase agreements (PPA).
Al Kurzenhauser, COO for EDF EN Canada, said, “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.”
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.