Oct 18 2012
EDF EN Canada, a subsidiary of EDF Energies Nouvelles, announces the commercial operation of its first wind project in Quebec -- Saint-Robert-Bellarmin Wind Project.
Saint-Robert-Bellarmin is one of seven wind energy projects awarded to the company in 2008 through Hydro-Quebec call 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 reception and support from the community of Saint-Robert-Bellarmin and the MRC du Granit have largely contributed to the success of this project," said Tristan Grimbert, President and CEO of EDF EN North America. "We extend our gratitude to the Quebec Government departments for their diligence to develop this project in an accelerated mode."
With an investment of close to $200 million, the project created up to 150 jobs during the construction phase, and will provide at least five permanent operations and maintenance jobs. Located in the municipality of Saint-Robert-Bellarmin of the MRC du Granit, the project will generate green energy to power the equivalent of over 18,000 Quebec homes. The 40 turbines, supplied by REpower, are rated at 2 MW each. The towers were built in Matane and Trois-Rivières; the blades in Gaspé; some of the electrical components in New Richmond and other parts throughout Quebec. EDF Renewable Services Inc. will provide operations and maintenance services.
"We are fortunate to build these amazing projects and proud to provide clean energy to the communities who have shown us tremendous support," said David Gallagher, Program Manager for EDF EN Canada. "Constructing a wind project in a complex terrain within a short time frame while ensuring the safety of workers and the respect of the environment comes with challenges, and the success of completing the project on schedule and under budget is owed to everyone who dedicated their best effort: EDF EN's on-site construction team, REpower, Borea, the municipality of Saint-Robert-Bellarmin, the MRC of le Granit and Hydro-Quebec."
Alex Couture, Project Development Director for EDF EN Canada, further added, "Throughout the 20-year contract with Hydro-Quebec, the City of Saint-Robert-Bellarmin will receive annual contributions from EDF EN Canada of about $160,000. In addition, the company established a Development Fund to contribute up to $40,000 per year in support of local community initiated projects."
EDF EN Canada is currently constructing two other sites in Quebec: Massif du Sud Wind Project (150 MW) and Lac-Alfred Wind Project Phase I (150 MW), both with an expected operational date of December 2012. In total, the Company will place into service 380 MW in 2012 employing nearly 700 people in the development and construction phase.
Source: http://www.edf-en.ca