Feb 16 2015
Pattern Energy Group LP ("Pattern Development") today announced that its Mont Sainte-Marguerite Wind project has entered into a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Hydro-Québec. The 147 megawatt (MW) project is located approximately 50 kilometers south of Québec City, in the Chaudière-Appalaches region. Pattern Development has partnered with Renewable Energy Systems Canada Inc. (RES Canada) on development of the project.
"This project marks our expansion into Québec and further reinforces Pattern Development's track record as one of the top wind developers in the country," said Mike Garland, CEO of Pattern Development. "We look forward to working with RES Canada to build a world-class wind facility that will help Hydro-Québec reach its renewable energy goals. We will be using Siemens turbines and locally-sourced turbine components, supporting manufacturers in Québec. We are proud to be hiring from Québec, bringing jobs and economic benefits to the Chaudière-Appalaches region."
The Mont Sainte-Marguerite Wind project will utilize 46 Siemens innovative 3.2 MW direct drive wind turbines. Components for the turbines will be sourced from Québec and leverage the highly-skilled labor force and manufacturing facilities in the province.
The project will provide more than $735,000 annually to Pattern Development's community partners, the municipalities of Saint-Sylvestre and Saint-Séverin, which are active participants in the development of the project.
The project will employ approximately 200 skilled workers on site at the peak of construction activity and create 10-12 permanent jobs once operational. Upon completion, the Mont Sainte-Marguerite Wind project is expected to generate enough power for approximately 27,000 Québec homes annually, according to power use statistics from Hydro-Québec. The project site, which is located on one of the higher elevations in Southern Québec, has one of the strongest wind resources in the entire region.
Pattern Development acquired RES Canada's stake in Mont Sainte-Marguerite Wind and now owns 100% of the project. RES Canada and Pattern Development will continue to jointly develop the project, which is expected to begin construction in the third quarter of 2016. The project is expected to reach commercial operation in December 2017.