EDF Energies Nouvelles Celebrates the Saint-Robert-Bellarmin Wind Project with a Blade Signing

Saint-Robert-Bellarmin, (Quebec) June 27, 2012: EDF Renewables Inc, an EDF Energies Nouvelles Company (www.edf-en.ca), celebrates the development and construction of the 80 MW Saint-Robert-Bellarmin Wind Project today with a blade signing ceremony.

The new wind project represents the first project in Quebec for EDF Renewables. It is one of seven wind energy projects awarded to EDF Renewables through Hydro-Quebec call for tenders. In total, the company will develop and build 1,003.2 MW in the province over the next four years.

With an investment of close to $200 million, the project created more than 150 jobs during the construction phase, and will provide five permanent operation and maintenance jobs. Located in the municipality of Saint-Robert-Bellarmin of the MRC du Granit, the project will generate green energy to power the equivalent of over 18,000 Quebec homes. The 40 turbines, supplied by REpower, are rated at 2 MW each with a significant amount of locally manufactured content. The towers were built in Matane; the blades in Gaspé; some of the electrical components from New Richmond and other parts throughout Quebec. enXco Service Canada Inc. will provide operations and maintenance services.

“The reception and support from the community of Saint‑Robert‑Bellarmin and the MRC du Granit have largely contributed to the success of this project,” said Tristan Grimbert, President and CEO of EDF EN North America. “We extend our gratitude to the Quebec Government departments for their diligence to develop this project in an accelerated mode, allowing Saint-Robert-Bellarmin wind project to achieve commercial operation in September of this year.

Alex Couture, Project Development Director for EDF Renewables further added, “Throughout the 20-year contract with Hydro-Quebec, the City of Saint-Robert-Bellarmin will receive voluntary annual contributions from EDF Renewables of about $160,000. In addition, the company established a Development Fund to contribute up to $40,000 per year in support of local community initiated projects.”

Jeannot Lachance, Mayor of Saint-Robert-Bellarmin, commented, “EDF Renewables has established an open and honest communication process. They shared with us their plans and have delivered exactly on their promise. This is the key to success. The various commitments of EDF Renewables were perfectly understood and respected by BOREA which was selected by EDF Renewables to build the wind project.”

“I consider the work done for this wind project to always have respected the important values of the MRC du Granit,” said Maurice Bernier, Prefect of Granit MRC. “Moreover, respecting the vision of the MRC, EDF Renewables was able to put the citizens and the environment at the heart of their priorities in the development and construction of this valuable wind project. The forces generated by their team at all stages of the project are greatly appreciated.”

Helmut Herold, Managing Director of REpower Systems Inc., based in Montreal, says, “Saint-Robert-Bellarmin is the first commercial wind farm in Quebec that REpower has supplied its turbines. It is the result of a fruitful collaboration between all parties involved and we would like to thank all of our partners. We are very proud to be contributing to the development of wind energy in Quebec which has, as we can see, significant economic impact on the province of Quebec and its regions.”

Today’s celebration also marked the launch of a new look for EDF Energies Nouvelles with the unveiling of a new logo. EDF Energies Nouvelles’ change in logo reflects the closer relationship of the Company with the EDF Group and its new status as a fully-owned subsidiary. For EDF Renewables, this move marks a new step and dimension in renewable energy: utility-scale projects and bigger investments, industry-oriented businesses, including offshore wind energy and the international expansion of the Company.

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