MRCs La Matapedia and La Mitis acquire minority stake in Lac-Alfred Wind Project

EDF Energies Nouvelles subsidiary EDF EN Canada sold 12.5% of its stake in the300 MW (MW) Lac-Alfred Wind Project to MRCs of La Matapédia and La Mitis.

In November 2011, Enbridge and EDF EN Canada were co-owners of the project.

With the latest deal, Enbridge owns 50% interest in the project while EDF EN Canada holds 37.5% and the remaining 12.5% is held by the MRC of La Matapédia (10%) and MRC of La Mitis (2.5%).

EDF EN Canada will provide management services to the project, while EDF Renewable Services will provide long-term operations and maintenance services.

The prefects of the MRCs, Chantale Lavoie (La Matapédia) and Noël Lambert (La Mitis) are satisfied with this partnership.

EDF EN Canada project development director Alex Couture said: "For the MRC and municipalities, this acquisition will provide a share of revenues from the sale of electricity while providing diversification of funding sources.

"It’s also a great opportunity for local communities to benefit from the direct impact of a natural resource present at home. Depending on the power generation of the wind farm, net profits could reach $200,000 to $300,000 per year for La Mitis and $500,000 to $1,000,000 for La Matapedia."

"EDF EN Canada is pleased to conclude this transaction."

The project comprises 150 wind turbines delivered by Senvion.

The 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 of La Matapédia and in the municipality of La Rédemption and UT Lac-à-la-Croix in the MRC of La Mitis.

Construction work of Lac-Alfred began in June 2011 and reached commercial operation in two phases: Phase 1 (150 MW) in January 2013; and Phase 2 (150 MW) in August 2013.

Power generated is delivered to Hydro-Quebec Distribution under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement.