EDF EN Canada and Enbridge dedicate 300MW Lac-Alfred wind project in Canada

EDF EN Canada, a subsidiary of EDF Energies Nouvelles, and Enbridge have dedicated the 300MW Lac-Alfred wind power project in Quebec, Canada.

The project is located in the municipalities of Saint-Cleophas, Sainte-Irene, Saint-Zenon-du-Lac-Humqui and the unorganized territory (UT) of Lac Alfred in the MRC de La Matapedia and in the municipality of La Redemption and UT Lac-a-la-Croix in the MRC de La Mitis.

The work on the Lac-Alfred project started in June 2011 and reached commercial operation in two phases: Phase 1 (150MW) in January, 2013; and Phase 2 (150 MW) in August 2013.

The Lac-Alfred project features 150 wind turbines that are supplied by REpower, with a portion of the equipment procured from the designated region of Gaspésie-Bas-Saint-Laurent. The project generates enough clean electricity to meet the needs of about 70,000 Quebec homes.

The project has been developed with an investment capital of CAD700m. It has created more than 350 jobs during the peak construction phase and around 15 permanent operation and maintenance jobs.

The project is the third to be placed into service for the EDF EN Canada and Enbridge partnership, bringing total installed wind capacity in Quebec to 530MW. In total, EDF EN Canada will develop and build 1,003.2MW through seven wind energy projects awarded to EDF EN Canada through Hydro-Quebec call for tenders.

Quebec minister for tourism Pascal Berube said, "The Lac-Alfred Wind Project, in partnership with the municipalities, the regional county municipalities, the local development centres and businesses in the region have greatly contributed to the economic development of the electoral district of Matane-Matapedia.

"The benefits of this project are important for our community since they are not only financial but also enable us to develop an expertise in this rapidly expanding sector of excellence."

EDF EN Canada COO Al Kurzenhauser said, "Over the next 20 years of this contract with Hydro-Quebec, the local municipalities will receive a combined contribution of $750,000 annually."