MONTRÉAL, April 19,
2022 /CNW Telbec/ - Boralex inc. ("Boralex")
(TSX: BLX), Énergir and Hydro-Québec (collectively "the partners")
are pleased to announce a partnership to develop three wind
projects of 400 MW each on the Seigneurie de Beaupré
territory. The partnership is in line with Hydro-Québec's intention
to develop a portfolio of wind energy projects with experienced
partners in Québec.
Under the agreement, Boralex, Énergir and Hydro-Québec will
participate equally in the projects through affiliated companies.
The energy generated would be purchased by Hydro-Québec under three
power purchase agreements and included in the volume of energy
available to supply its various markets. The decision regarding
whether each project is carried out will depend on Hydro-Québec's
evolving needs.
These wind projects would be developed at very beneficial costs
and would generate significant economic spinoffs for Québec given
that the total investments for the three projects could reach
$3 billion. The partners have
committed to a collaborative approach in designing the projects
with the host communities and the Indigenous communities located in
the regions involved. Several meetings have already taken place
with these communities and the communication will continue
throughout the development of the projects.
More specifically, the partners are proposing the following
projects:
- Des Neiges Wind Farm – South, in
the RCM of La Côte-de-Beaupré (400 MW)
- Des Neiges Wind Farm –
Charlevoix, in the RCM of Charlevoix (400 MW)
- Des Neiges Wind Farm – West, in
the RCM of La Côte-de-Beaupré and potentially in the municipality
of Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury in the RCM of La Jacques-Cartier
(400 MW).
"At Boralex, we have been developing and operating renewable
energy power facilities in Québec and abroad for more than 30
years. We are pleased to share our expertise and know-how to
promote Québec's resources for the benefit of our economy and the
energy transition. This agreement represents both the recognition
of wind power as an essential source in Québec's energy mix and a
vote of confidence for our team who, in collaboration with Énergir
for more than 15 years, has made wind power development on the
Seigneurie de Beaupré territory successful," stated Patrick
Decostre, President and CEO of Boralex.
"Énergir invests in concrete solutions that will contribute to a
better energy future by focusing on diversified and complementary
energy sources. In this regard, we are proud to be co-owners of one
of the largest collections of wind farms for over 15 years and to
pursue the development of the Seigneurie de Beaupré wind farms.
This partnership reaffirms our commitment to pursue our
contribution to the development of renewable energies while
promoting local economic activity," noted Éric Lachance, President
and CEO of Énergir.
"With the energy transition and the expected growth in
electricity needs in Québec, it is imperative that we have the
required flexibility when it comes to supplies," said Sophie Brochu, President and CEO of
Hydro-Québec. "Wind power is one of the tools we have at our
disposal. As stated in our Strategic Plan 2022-2026, we want to
combine our strengths with those of experienced partners from the
private sector, therefore positioning wind power development as an
enabler of collective wealth for the benefit of Quebecers."
The partners are continuing to develop the des Neiges wind farm
projects in order to meet Hydro-Québec's anticipated energy needs.
Field studies and environmental impact studies are therefore
being carried out, as well as the preliminary engineering work to
specify the configurations of the wind projects. A first round of
public information and consultation sessions was carried out
in summer and fall 2021 and the process will continue with several
local stakeholders. New information sessions will be organized
soon.
These projects would be located close to the existing Seigneurie
de Beaupré wind farms, which total 364 MW and are operated by
Boralex and Énergir. Both companies have been developing the
privately-owned site for over 15 years.
For more information on the project and the steps to come,
please refer to the Seigneurie de Beaupré wind farms website.
About Boralex
At Boralex, we have been providing affordable renewable energy
accessible to everyone for over 30 years. As a leader in the
Canadian market and France's
largest independent producer of onshore wind power, we also have
facilities in the United States
and development projects in the United
Kingdom. Over the past five years, our installed capacity
has more than doubled to 2.5 GW. We are developing a portfolio of
more than 3 GW in wind and solar projects and nearly 200 MW in
storage projects, guided by our values and our corporate social
responsibility (CSR) approach. Through profitable and sustainable
growth, Boralex is actively participating in the fight against
global warming. Thanks to our fearlessness, our discipline, our
expertise and our diversity, we continue to be an industry leader.
Boralex's shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the
ticker symbol BLX. For more information, visit www.boralex.com or
www.sedar.com. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
About Énergir
With more than $9 billion in
assets, Énergir, L.P. is a diversified energy business whose
mission is to meet the energy needs of approximately 535,000
customers and the communities it serves in an increasingly
sustainable way. Énergir, L.P. is the largest natural gas
distribution company in Quebec;
through its joint ventures, it also generates electricity from wind
power. And through its subsidiaries and other investments, Énergir,
L.P. has a presence in the United
States, where it generates electricity from hydraulic, wind,
and solar sources; it is also the largest electricity distributor
and the sole natural gas distributor in the State of Vermont. Énergir, L.P. values energy
efficiency and invests its resources and continues its efforts in
innovative energy projects such as renewable natural gas and
liquefied and compressed natural gas. Through its subsidiaries, it
also provides a variety of energy services. Énergir, L.P. strives
to become the partner of choice for those seeking a better energy
future.
About Hydro-Québec
Hydro-Québec delivers reliable electricity and high-quality
services tailored to customers' needs at competitive prices. By
developing clean and renewable energy sources, Hydro-Québec is
contributing to Québec's collective wealth while playing a central
role in moving towards a green, sustainable economy. As a
recognized leader in hydropower and large transmission systems,
Hydro-Québec helps its neighbors to reduce their carbon footprint
by promoting the positive features of its energy. Given its
conviction that innovation is the way forward, Hydro-Québec designs
leading-edge solutions and shares its expertise in order to
decarbonize the economy and optimize energy consumption.
SOURCE Hydro-Québec