Apuiat wind project : Hydro-Quebec signs PPA with Parc éolien Apuiat

Renewable Energy Systems (RES) announced that Hydro-Quebec has signed a 30-year power purchase agreement (PPA) to buy electricity produced by the 200MW Apuiat wind project in Québec, Canada from Parc éolien Apuiat.

Concurrently, Parc éolien Apuiat is acquiring the wind farm from RES. Parc éolien Apuiat is a partnership formed by the Innu First Nation communities in Quebec and Canadian power producer Boralex.

To be built in the Côte-Nord region, the Apuiat wind project is targeted to be commissioned in December 2024. Construction on the wind farm is scheduled to start in the summer of 2022.

François Legault – Premier of Québec said: “After many months of work with our Indigenous partners, I am proud to present a win-win project for the Innu communities, for Québec and for the planet. This is excellent news for the entire wind energy sector, in which costs have come down considerably.

“This means savings for all Quebecers, and substantial royalties will be paid to the local communities. With the Apuiat wind farm, we are continuing to build a greener Québec, a more prosperous Québec, a prouder Québec!”

Hydro-Quebec signs PPA with Parc éolien Apuiat for the Apuiat wind project. Photo courtesy of RES

Apuiat wind project : RES started development in 2012

In 2012, the site development was started by RES, and then later in 2016, the UK-based renewable energy company partnered with Boralex to develop the Apuiat wind project on the traditional territories of the Innu First Nation communities.

The Apuiat wind farm is expected to create around 300 jobs in the construction phase and about 10 permanent jobs to maintain operations over a period of 30 years.

Peter Clibbon – RES Senior VP of Development said: “As a company which is committed to decarbonizing all electricity generation, RES is proud to have initiated the Apuiat project and helped the Government of Quebec’s commitment to clean power.

“Our partnership with Boralex allowed us to advance a high-quality project which both aligns with community interests and values, as well as contributing to reducing the effects of climate change.”