SAINT-LUC-DE-BELLECHASSE, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - June 20, 2013) - EDF EN Canada Inc., a subsidiary of EDF Energies Nouvelles and Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB) (NYSE:ENB), along with over 150 attendees, dedicated the 150 megawatt (MW) Massif du Sud Wind Project today.
Located in the municipalities of Saint-Luc-de-Bellechasse and Saint-Magloire in the MRC des Etchemins and in the municipalities of Notre-Dame-Auxiliatrice-de-Buckland and Saint-Philémon in the MRC de Bellechasse, Massif du Sud generates enough clean electricity to meet the needs of about 35,000 Quebec homes.
With an investment of close to $340 million, the project created more than 250 jobs during the peak construction phase, and around ten permanent operation and maintenance jobs.
"From the early stages of development, thru implementation to commissioning, the teams successfully overcame complex challenges in record time and above all putting safety as a first priority," said Benoit Rigal, Vice President of Engineering and Construction, EDF EN Canada. "Developing Massif du Sud in harmony with the regional park requirements, managing transportation of turbine components and constructing in less than 14 months-throughout winter, hunting and nesting seasons-is indeed an accomplishment to be recognized and celebrated. This valuable project is another step forward to advance the growth of EDF EN in Québec and Canada."
"The success of this project is due to support from the communities in the Chaudiere-Appalaches region and to the Quebec Government's continuing support of renewable energy generation in the province," said Don Thompson, Vice President, Green Energy & Power Transmission. "With the dedication event of Massif du Sud, Enbridge is proud to expand its presence in the province with our first operational Quebec-based renewable energy project."
Alex Couture, Project Development Director for EDF EN Canada further added, "Throughout the 20-year contract with Hydro-Quebec, the municipalities concerned by these projects will receive a combined annual contribution of over $300,000. The Corporation d'aménagement du parc régional du Massif du Sud will also receive an annual contribution of about $75,000."
One of seven wind energy projects awarded to EDF EN Canada through Hydro-Quebec call for tenders, Massif du Sud consists of 75 wind turbines supplied by REpower, with a portion of the equipment procured from the designated region of Gaspésie-Bas-Saint-Laurent.
Construction of Massif du Sud commenced in November 2011 and reached commercial operation on January 18, 2013. In total, EDF EN Canada will develop and build 1,003.2 MW in the province over the next three years. This project represents one of two Quebec wind projects jointly owned by EDF EN Canada and Enbridge.
Massif du Sud further helps Enbridge meet its Neutral Footprint commitment to generate a kilowatt of renewable energy for every additional kilowatt of conventional power that the company's operations consume.
EDF EN Canada Inc.'s operation and maintenance affiliate, EDF Renewable Services Inc. provides long-term operations and maintenance (O&M) services.
About EDF EN Canada Inc.:
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. The company offers financial strength, technical innovation and an unmatched commitment to customer service. EDF EN Canada draws on the market leadership of EDF Renewable Energy, EDF EN's American affiliate. EDF Energies Nouvelles is a subsidiary of the EDF group. www.edf-energies-nouvelles.com www.edf-en.ca
About Enbridge Inc.:
Enbridge Inc. is a North American leader in delivering energy and has been included on the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World ranking for the past five years. As a transporter of energy, Enbridge operates, in Canada and the U.S., the world's longest crude oil and liquids transportation system. The Company also has a significant and growing involvement in natural gas gathering, transmission and midstream businesses, and an increasing involvement in power transmission. As a distributor of energy, Enbridge owns and operates Canada's largest natural gas distribution company, and provides distribution services in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and New York State. As a generator of energy, Enbridge has interests in close to 1,600 megawatts of renewable and alternative energy generating capacity and is expanding its interests in wind, solar and geothermal energy. Enbridge employs more than 10,000 people, primarily in Canada and the U.S. and is ranked as one of Canada's Greenest Employers and one of Canada's Top 100 Employers for 2013. Enbridge is included on the 2012/2013 Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index. Enbridge's common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol ENB. For more information, visit www.enbridge.com .
About EDF Renewable Services Inc:
EDF Renewable Services Inc. is the leading third-party provider of operations and maintenance services in North America. With 25 years of experience, EDF Renewable Services understands renewable energy facilities represent a substantial investment. The company takes an owner-operator approach to ensure maximum returns on the asset, full project value, and ongoing profitability for new and existing facilities. As part of a global organization with utility-scale wind and solar plants, the company brings depth of experience to every project. With more than 7 gigawatts of wind and solar under contract, EDF Renewable Services is the trusted leader in O&M. For more information visit: www.edf-renewable - services.com
