EDF EN Canada Inc. and Energie Renouvelable de La Mitis have announced the commissioning of the 24.6 MW La Mitis community wind project in Quebec.
EDF EN Canada owns 70% of the project, and Energie Renouvelable de La Mitis – a company wholly owned by the RCM de La Mitis, an association of 16 municipalities – holds the remaining 30% stake.
Located in the unorganized territory Lac-a-la-Croix in the RCM of La Mitis, the La Mitis project features 12 Senvion wind turbines. The project's output is sold to Hydro-Quebec Distribution under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
According to EDF, the project created more than 150 jobs during the peak construction phase. In addition to the electricity generation's revenues shared with the 16 municipalities, an annual financial contribution of C$61,500 will be paid by the project during the 20-year operational phase to the RCM of La Mitis. The commissioning further triggers a contribution of C$200,000 into a community development fund.
‘The wind of La Mitis now is of great importance for the economy of the region with the commercial launch of our community wind project," says Marcel Moreau, CEO of the RMC of La Mitis. "For 20 years, we will produce green energy that respects sustainable development and meet the needs of our society."
Al Kurzenhauser, chief operating officer for EDF EN Canada, notes, "[The] La Mitis wind project holds a special place in our project portfolio. Along with the Le Granit wind project, which was built and commissioned simultaneously, the project represents our first experience in community projects in Quebec and in Canada."
La Mitis is one of seven wind energy projects awarded to EDF EN Canada in 2008 and 2010 through Hydro-Quebec Distribution calls for tenders. It is one of three projects developed by EDF EN Canada to be held in partnership with an RCM.
