CALGARY, ALBERTA and MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - July 22, 2013) - Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB) (NYSE:ENB) and EDF EN Canada today announced that they have closed on an agreement under which Enbridge would acquire a 50% interest in the 80 megawatt (MW) Saint-Robert-Bellarmin Wind Project in Quebec.
Located in the municipality of Saint-Robert-Bellarmin and the MRC du Granit (300 km east of Montreal), the project reached commercial operation in October 2012 and delivers energy to Hydro-Quebec Distribution under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement.
"Renewable energy plays an important role in Enbridge's long-term strategy by laying the foundation for a more diversified future asset base and for continued growth and prosperity for our company," said Don Thompson, Vice President, Green Energy & Power Transmission. "The acquisition of 50 percent of Saint-Robert-Bellarmin is Enbridge's third partnership with EDF EN Canada for wind power facilities in Quebec's attractive wind energy market, delivering solid returns and stable cash flow."
"Our partnership with Enbridge on both the Lac-Alfred and Massif du Sud projects has proven to be very successful and we are pleased to once again engage in a co-ownership relationship," said Tristan Grimbert, President and CEO of EDF EN North America. "Bringing the strengths of both companies to the market ensures that clean renewable power is delivered to the province at an affordable cost."
Built by Borea Construction and comprised of 40 REpower 2 MW turbines, Saint-Robert-Bellarmin created up to 150 jobs during the construction phase and was developed with a significant amount of regionally-manufactured components.
EDF EN Canada Inc.'s operation and maintenance affiliate EDF Renewable Services Inc. will continue to provide long-term operations and maintenance (O&M) services.
In addition to generating enough green energy to supply the needs of over 18,000 Quebec homes, Saint-Robert-Bellarmin adds to Enbridge's existing portfolio of nearly 1,600 MW of renewable energy projects, helping the company continue its Neutral Footprint commitment of generating a kilowatt of renewable energy for every additional kilowatt of conventional power its operations consume.
Saint-Robert-Bellarmin is one of seven wind energy projects awarded to EDF EN Canada in 2008 and 2010 through Hydro-Quebec call for tenders. By the end of 2015, EDF EN Canada will have developed and built a total of 1,003.2 MW in the province.
Saint-Robert-Bellarmin Wind Project at a glance:
| Location: | Estrie Region, Quebec (300 km east of Montreal) |
| Capacity Peak: | 80 MW |
| Equivalent Homes Served: | Over 18,000 Quebec homes |
| Technology (turbines): | 40 REpower MM92 turbines |
| Construction: | Began: July 2011 |
| Completed: October 2012 | |
| Commercial Operation Date: | October 11, 2012 |
| Energy Purchaser: | Hydro-Quebec Distribution (20-year PPA) |
| Interconnection: | Hydro-Quebec TransEnergie |
About EDF EN Canada Inc.:
EDF EN Canada, an EDF Energies Nouvelles Company, is a market leader in renewable energy development, with an integrated approach that covers every aspect of project origination and implementation through to electricity generation, operations and maintenance. The company offers financial strength, technical innovation and an unmatched commitment to customer service. EDF EN Canada draws on the market leadership of EDF Renewable Energy, EDF EN's American affiliate. EDF Energies Nouvelles is a subsidiary of the EDF group. www.edf-energies-nouvelles.com www.edf-en.ca
About Enbridge Inc.
Enbridge Inc. is a North American leader in delivering energy and has been included on the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World ranking for the past five years. As a transporter of energy, Enbridge operates, in Canada and the U.S., the world's longest crude oil and liquids transportation system. The Company also has a significant and growing involvement in natural gas gathering, transmission and midstream businesses, and an increasing involvement in power transmission. As a distributor of energy, Enbridge owns and operates Canada's largest natural gas distribution company, and provides distribution services in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and New York State. As a generator of energy, Enbridge has interests in close to 1,600 megawatts of renewable and alternative energy generating capacity and is expanding its interests in wind, solar and geothermal energy. Enbridge employs more than 10,000 people, primarily in Canada and the U.S. and is ranked as one of Canada's Greenest Employers and one of Canada's Top 100 Employers for 2013. Enbridge is included on the 2012/2013 Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index. Enbridge's common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol ENB. For more information, visit www.enbridge.com.
About EDF Renewable Services Inc.:
EDF Renewable Services Inc. is the leading third-party provider of operation and maintenance services in North America. With 25 years of experience, EDF Renewable Services understands renewable energy facilities represent a substantial investment. The company takes an owner-operator approach to ensure maximum returns on the asset, full project value, and ongoing profitability for new and existing facilities. As part of a global organization with utility-scale wind and solar plants, the company brings depth of experience to every project. With more than 7 gigawatts of wind and solar under contract, EDF Renewable Services is the trusted leader in O&M. For more information visit: www.edf-renewable-services.com
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