EDF EN Canada Inc., Régie intermunicipale de l’énergie du Bas-Saint-Laurent (RIEBSL), and Régie intermunicipale de l’énergie Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine (RIEGÎM) have commissioned the Nicolas-Riou wind project, located in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region of Quebec.
The 224.25 MW project comprises 65 Vestas turbines of 3.45 MW each. Nicolas-Riou is 50% owned by EDF EN Canada, 33% by RIEBSL and 17% by RIEGÎM.
The wind farm is situated on the private and public lands of TNO Boisbouscache and the municipalities of Sainte-Françoise, Saint-Mathieu-de-Rioux, Saint-Médard (RCM Basques) and Saint-Eugene-de-Ladrière (RCM of Rimouski-Neigette).
The project represents an investment of more than C$500 million. Construction commenced in June 2016 and employed over 400 workers during its peak.
In addition to the profits distributed to municipal shareholders, an annual contribution of over C$1.1 million will be provided to the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie regions, particularly to the Basques and Rimouski-Neigette RCMs throughout the 25-year contract with Hydro-Québec.
Project financing was arranged and fully underwritten by National Bank Financial Markets as co-lead arranger and sole book runner and Sun Life Assurance Co. of Canada as co-lead arranger.
Cory Basil, vice president of development for EDF EN Canada, says, “This project is the result of a partnership that pairs the experience and expertise of EDF EN Canada with the understanding of local expectations brought by our public partners.”
Nicolas-Riou is one of eight wind projects awarded to EDF EN Canada through Hydro-Québec Distribution’s call for tenders in 2008, 2010 and 2013. Since 2008, EDF EN Canada has placed in service 1.6 GW of wind and solar projects in Canada.
