Jul 22 2014
The Innu First Nations of Mashteuiatsh, Essipit and Pessamit, together with EDF EN Canada Inc., a subsidiary of EDF Energies Nouvelles, announce the signing of an agreement today concerning the Rivière-du-Moulin Wind Project in the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve, a territory of interest for the Innu First Nations.
The 20-year agreement provides a framework for business relations between the parties in the context of the Rivière-du-Moulin project, ensures favourable economic spinoffs to both parties and notably provides Innu First Nations with the option to acquire a financial interest in the project once both phases have been commissioned.
“We are proud to have concluded this agreement with EDF EN Canada, as it will help create benefits within our communities and will ultimately enable our First Nations to become partners in a major wind power project in Canada. This agreement reflects our shared desire to capitalize on development opportunities while promoting the positive economic impact of energy projects on our lands,” mentioned the chiefs of the three First Nations involved.
Alex Couture, Director, Project Development Quebec for EDF EN Canada, is pleased to highlight the signing of this agreement with the three Innu communities. “The outcome of our discussions paved the way for this agreement, which will generate benefits for both parties throughout the life of the project.”
For his part, EDF EN Canada Chief Operating Officer Al Kurzenhauser affirms that this signature is a display of confidence by the three Innu communities. “I would like to thank the three Chiefs for the relationship created and for their participation in what will be, once completed, the largest Canadian wind farm under a single Power Purchase Agreement.”
With a nameplate capacity of 350 megawatts (MW), the Rivière-du-Moulin Wind Project is under construction in two stages: Phase I, 150 MW, to be commissioned December 1, 2014 and Phase II, 200 MW, due to come online December 1, 2015.
About EDF EN Canada Inc.:
EDF EN Canada, an affiliate of EDF Energies Nouvelles, is a leader in the market of renewable energy development, with an integrated approach covering the entire project spectrum, including design, commissioning, power production, and O&M. The company offers financial stability and technological innovation, in addition to placing unparalleled importance on customer service. EDF EN Canada relies on the market leadership of EDF Renewable Energy, the American affiliate of EDF EN. EDF Energies Nouvelles is a subsidiary of EDF Group. www.edf-energies-nouvelles.com www.edf-en.ca
About the Innu First Nations:
The Innu First Nations of Mashteuiatsh, Essipit and Pessamit are Native bands comprising over 10,000 Innu, mainly located in the Quebec regions of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean and Côte-Nord. They are represented by their respective chiefs: Gilbert Dominique of Mashteuiatsh, Martin Dufour of Essipit, and René Simon of Pessamit.