The wind farm project is situated on the territory of the municipality of La Redemption and the TNO of Lac-à-la-Croix in the MRC de La Mitis, as well as on the territory of the municipalities of Saint-Cléophas, Sainte-Irène and Saint-Zénon-du-Lac-Humqui and the TNO of Lac-Alfred in the MRC de La Matapédia.
"For several years, we have been working in close conjunction with the communities of La Matapédia and La Mitis in the development of a wind energy project that respects their concerns and the environment, in addition to being beneficial for the local economy. The Lac-Alfred wind farm is the first of five projects for our firm that has obtained an Order in Council. We welcome this wonderful news with enthusiasm and pride," said Saint-Laurent Énergies CEO, Mr. Stéphane Boyer.
Realisation of the Saint-Laurent Énergies wind farms will contribute to the development and growth of the wind industry in the Gaspésie administrative region and the MRC de Matane.
Wind turbine manufacturer REpower has been selected to provide wind turbines for the Lac-Alfred wind farm and for the other Saint-Laurent Énergies wind farms from regional businesses. It is expected that LM Wind Power manufactures blades in Gaspé, the Marmen plant in Matane the towers, and SEG-Woodward the electrical converters in New Richmond.
Subject to obtaining authorization certificates and permits required for this type of activity as well as long-term funding and all internal approvals, the first phase of construction could be completed in 2012.
Saint-Laurent Énergies is owned by two long-standing companies in the renewable energy industry: EDF Énergies Nouvelles and RES Canada Inc. In May 2008, the two companies were selected by Hydro-Québec to develop five wind farms totaling 954 MW of capacity.
Saint-Laurent Énergies was created shortly afterwards to develop, supervise construction and the operation of the wind farms. The company has assembled a 20-strong team based in its Montreal head office and at its liaison offices near the wind farms. www.stle.ca
EDF EN Canada – an EDF Energies Nouvelles Company, is a market leader in renewable energy development, with an integrated approach that covers every aspect of project origination and implementation through to electricity generation, operations and maintenance.
EDF EN Canada is actively engaged in building partnerships to develop ground-mount and rooftop solar photovoltaic opportunities under Ontario’s FIT program. The company offers financial strength, technical innovation and an unmatched commitment to customer service.
EDF EN Canada draws on the market leadership of enXco, EDF EN’s American affiliate. With more than 3,000 MW of renewable energy projects in service or under construction, EDF EN is at the forefront of renewable energy development. www.edf-energies-nouvelles.com
Renewable Energy Systems Canada Inc. (RES Canada), was founded in Montreal, Quebec in 2003 and is a member of the Renewable Energy Systems group of companies. RES Canada is active with the development and construction of wind energy and solar projects across Canada and is a co-owner alongside EDF EN Canada of the 954 MW of Quebec projects. RES Canada will construct the Lac-Alfred project as well as all SLE projects in Quebec. In addition, RES Canada is also the developer, constructor and owner of 198 MW of wind farm projects in Ontario, and RES has currently over 1,000 MW under construction in North America.
www.edf-energies-nouvelles.com
