Boralex Inc. ("Boralex"), Gaz Métro Limited Partnership ("Gaz Métro") and Valener Inc. ("Valener") are pleased to announce commercial commissioning of the first 131 MW of the Seigneurie de Beaupré Wind Farms within the projected time frame.
"After more than eight years of hard work by the Boralex and Gaz Métro teams, we are proud that the first 62 wind turbines are supplying green energy to Québec's power grid," stated Sophie Brochu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gaz Métro, and Patrick Lemaire, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boralex.Within the next few days, an additional 141 MW will also be commissioned, thereby completing the largest phase of the Seigneurie de Beaupré Wind Farms.
We would like to highlight the vital contribution of many actors who made possible the commissioning of the 272 MW Phase I on schedule: Séminaire de Québec, the owner of the land; Borea, the contractor responsible for construction of the roads, collector systems and the substation; Enercon, the turbine manufacturer of the 126 wind turbines; and elected officials of the region and a large number of local enterprises.
Mr. Jacques Roberge, Superior General of the Séminaire de Québec, noted that, "concluding this important step on schedule is proof that we are working with quality partners, Québecers no less, and we are extremely happy that we will be continuing a long-term relationship with them to operate and develop the site."
About the Seigneurie de Beaupré Wind Farms
The Seigneurie de Beaupré Wind Farms, with a total contracted capacity of 365 MW, are, as of today, one of the largest wind power projects in development in Canada. The first phase of 272 MW (Farms 2 & 3), comissionned in late 2013, and the second phase of 68 MW (Farm 4), which is expected to start operating in late 2014, represents the projects of the Boralex and Gaz Métro|Valener consortium.
In addition, the 25 MW Côte-de-Beaupré wind farm built in partnership by Boralex and the Côte-de-Beaupré RCM is expected to start up in 2015.
Boralex is a power producer whose core business is dedicated to the development and the operation of renewable energy power stations. Currently, the Corporation operates an asset base with an installed capacity of more than 600 MW in Canada, the Northeastern United States and France. Boralex is also committed under power development projects, both independently and with Canadian and European partners, to add approximately 300 MW of power that will be put in service between 2013 and 2015. With more than 200 employees, Boralex is known for its diversified expertise and in-depth experience in four power generation types -- wind, hydroelectric, thermal and solar. Boralex's shares and convertible debentures are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols BLX and BLX.DB, respectively.