More than 100 residents, community leaders, business executives and government officials joined GDF SUEZ in O'Leary, Prince Edward Island, to mark the grand opening of the expanded West Cape Wind Farm.
GDF SUEZ grew the capacity of the West Cape Wind Farm from 11 wind turbines capable of producing 20 MW of electricity two years ago to 55 turbines capable of producing 99 MW. The wind farm supplies electricity to homes and businesses on Prince Edward Island and in New England.
‘Successful energy projects are nearly always the result of industry and government working together, and this wind farm is no exception,’ says Zin Smati, CEO of GDF SUEZ's operations in North America. ‘We are very pleased to be growing our wind energy business in eastern Canada and, as a result, creating jobs and other economic benefits for many years to come.’
Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, used the occasion to announce that the Government of Canada, through the ecoENERGY for Renewable Power initiative, will provide up to $24.3 million over the next 10 years to ensure that electricity produced by the project is delivered to consumers at competitive prices.
The West Cape Wind Farm represents an aggregate investment of $200 million. Approximately 100 construction jobs were created during the building of the project, and 13 people are employed to operate and maintain the completed facility.
SOURCES: GDF SUEZ Energy North America Inc., Natural Resources Canada
