Jan 13 2010
EDF EN Canada, an EDF Energies Nouvelles Company, confirmed that it has accomplished the commercial operation for the Arnprior Solar Project and has also closed the financing for the project. The Arnprior Solar Project is one of the largest solar photovoltaic projects in North America.
The 23.4-MW DC solar photovoltaic project consists of 312,000 panels and expected to generate clean solar energy to fulfill the increasing demands of approximately 7,000 Ontario homes. This solar photovoltaic site is located on the western side of the city of Ottawa, Ontario. Term financing agreements with Dexia and Union Bank, NA has also been executed by EDF EN Canada.
This project was developed on two neighboring properties as part of the Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program. The design, engineering and construction processes started in May, 2009 providing employment for over 150 people in the community.
Tristan Grimbert, President and CEO of EDF EN Canada and all EDF EN affiliates in North America, remarked that the company is honored to introduce the environmental and economic benefits of solar energy in Eastern Ontario and to meet its promise of initiating the development of solar projects in Canada. The success of this project will be shared with companies and individuals in Ontario who have contributed a lot by serving the Ontario solar market. The company is also looking forward to use its experience, resources, and partnership capabilities to the FIT groundmount and rooftop development in the year 2010 and beyond.
Lance Markowitz, Senior Vice President at Union Bank and Manager of Leasing and Asset Financing, remarked that it was indeed a pleasure to have played a vital part in financing the Arnprior Solar Project, which further highlights EDF EN’s primacy in the renewable energy market to the Canadian solar market.
Alban de La Selle, Managing Director and Head of Dexia Credit Local Canada Branch, remarked that the Arnprior Solar Project will project Dexia’s commitment to finance the solar energy sector. Selle further mentioned that Dexia expects this project to encourage the development of similar projects in other Canadian provinces under a suitably tailored FIT program.
Source: http://www.edf-energies-nouvelles.com/