Dec 28 2010
Invenergy has confirmed that its proposal for developing a 23 MW Le Plateau 2 Wind Power Project in the Québec region has been accepted by Hydro-Quebec Distribution. This project would supply clean renewable energy as per a 20 year Power Purchase Agreement and create job opportunities in the MRC d’Avignon Community.
Le Plateau 2 is a joint venture between the Régie intermunicipale Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine (coalition of MRC’s and Municipalities) and Invenergy. The Hydro Québec, which had called for tenders for the project in April 2009, finally gave approval to Invenergy.
The project would be Invenergy’s second project in Québec, the first being a 138.6 MW Le Plateau Wind Energy Centre also on a 20 year Power Purchase Agreement with Hydro-Quebec. The La Plateau 2 project is expected to get a final contract with Hydro-Quebec in the beginning of 2011, which would then be submitted to la Régie de l'énergie the provincial energy regulator, for approval. December 2013 is the scheduled period for the commencement of La Plateau 2’s commercial operations.
According to Frits de Kiewit, Invenergy’s Director of Business Development, the Company was happy that the project would contribute significantly to the economy of the host community and other surrounding communities of the Régie. He added that they were also proud to supply clean green power and strengthen or reinforce their commitment to Québec.Joel Arseneau, Régie Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine’s President, remarked that the Régie was pleased to work along with Invenergy and advance Québec’s wind energy industry and in particular the economy of the Québec region. He further mentioned that they were eagerly looking forward to a robust and long term alliance with Invenergy. Both the projects, Le Plateau 2 and Le Plateau, would be linked to a 315 kV power transmission line belonging to Hydro-Québec TransÉnergie transmission grid. Le Plateau 2 would include 10 MW ENERCON E-70 wind turbine generators.