McLeod Lake, (British Columbia) August 8, 2014: Representatives from EDF Renewables Inc., a subsidiary of EDF Energies Nouvelles, and McLeod Lake Indian Band (MLIB) today jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during a ceremony conducted at the McLeod Lake Indian Band Annual Meeting. The MOU concerns the potential development of three wind energy projects representing over 500 megawatts (MW) of clean power in the Peace River Region of British Columbia.
“We are extremely pleased to have entered into this MOU with McLeod Lake Indian Band,” commented Cory Basil, Vice President of Development at EDF Renewables. “The MOU reinforces our relationship and commitment to meaningful engagement and consultation. We will continue to work together, respectfully and collaboratively, with MLIB on projects which will bring economic benefits and opportunities to the Band and the Peace River Region.”
McLeod Lake Indian Band Chief Derek Orr said, “The McLeod Lake Indian Band supports EDF Renewables in the responsible development of sustainable, non-polluting and environmentally sensitive wind energy in the Peace Region. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with EDF Renewables and the addition of more wind power in our region.”
The three projects represented in the MOU are the Sundance Wind Project, Taylor Wind Project and Wartenbe Wind Project. Both Taylor and Sundance projects are undergoing a BC Environmental Assessment. The projects could deliver power as early as 2017 subject to clearing the environmental assessment process and securing power off-take agreements from BC Hydro. The Wartenbe project is construction ready, having previously received its BC Environmental Assessment Certificate.
By the end of 2015, EDF Renewables will have placed into service 1,374 MW of wind and solar power in Canada and created employment opportunities for over 1,000 people in the development and construction phase of the projects.