Jul 23 2013
Enbridge Inc. and EDF EN Canada today announced that they have closed on an agreement under which Enbridge would acquire a 50% interest in the 80 megawatt (MW) Saint-Robert-Bellarmin Wind Project in Quebec.
Located in the municipality of Saint-Robert-Bellarmin and the MRC du Granit (300 km east of Montreal), the project reached commercial operation in October 2012 and delivers energy to Hydro-Quebec Distribution under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement.
"Renewable energy plays an important role in Enbridge's long-term strategy by laying the foundation for a more diversified future asset base and for continued growth and prosperity for our company," said Don Thompson, Vice President, Green Energy & Power Transmission. "The acquisition of 50 percent of Saint-Robert-Bellarmin is Enbridge's third partnership with EDF EN Canada for wind power facilities in Quebec's attractive wind energy market, delivering solid returns and stable cash flow."
"Our partnership with Enbridge on both the Lac-Alfred and Massif du Sud projects has proven to be very successful and we are pleased to once again engage in a co-ownership relationship," said Tristan Grimbert, President and CEO of EDF EN North America. "Bringing the strengths of both companies to the market ensures that clean renewable power is delivered to the province at an affordable cost."
Built by Borea Construction and comprised of 40 REpower 2 MW turbines, Saint-Robert-Bellarmin created up to 150 jobs during the construction phase and was developed with a significant amount of regionally-manufactured components.
EDF EN Canada Inc.'s operation and maintenance affiliate EDF Renewable Services Inc. will continue to provide long-term operations and maintenance (O&M) services.
In addition to generating enough green energy to supply the needs of over 18,000 Quebec homes, Saint-Robert-Bellarmin adds to Enbridge's existing portfolio of nearly 1,600 MW of renewable energy projects, helping the company continue its Neutral Footprint commitment of generating a kilowatt of renewable energy for every additional kilowatt of conventional power its operations consume.
Saint-Robert-Bellarmin is one of seven wind energy projects awarded to EDF EN Canada in 2008 and 2010 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.
Saint-Robert-Bellarmin Wind Project at a glance:
- Location: Estrie Region, Quebec (300 km east of Montreal)
- Capacity Peak: 80 MW
- Equivalent Homes Served: Over 18,000 Quebec homes
- Technology (turbines): 40 REpower MM92 turbines
- Construction: Began: July 2011
- Completed: October 2012
- Commercial Operation Date: October 11, 2012
- Energy Purchaser: Hydro-Quebec Distribution (20-year PPA)
- Interconnection: Hydro-Quebec TransEnergie
Source: http://www.enbridge.com/