Ontario Minister Dedicates EDF Renewables’ Fifth Solar PV Project

Toronto, ON, October 29, 2010: The Honorable Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Francophone Affairs, presided today at the formal dedication of the St. Isidore Solar Project, a 12 MWdc (megawatt direct current) solar photovoltaic (PV) site located near the town of St. Isidore in the Municipality of the Nation, Ontario. Minister Meilleur was joined by Mr. Jon Kieran, Director of Solar for EDF Renewables, which has invested $250 million in Ontario-based PV installations since 2009.

Prior to the site dedication event, a special ceremony was held in honor of property owner Jacques Beauchesne, who passed away just before construction commenced. Mr. Beauchesne’s support for the St. Isidore Solar Project was a key factor in its timely development and construction; the three daughters of the Beauchesne family unveiled a granite memorial to their father’s unique solar vision.

The Minister and the Beauchesne Family each installed a solar panel during the dedication ceremony, adding to the 153,000 panels that will be erected on site. More than 200 workers have been employed locally since design, engineering and construction activities commenced in early 2010.

“The St. Isidore Solar Project is an important initiative within the Ontario Government’s renewable energy program,” said Minister Meilleur. “It will serve the peak electricity demands of more than 3,000 homes – and employ more than 200 people in the community over the course of its design, engineering and construction. This clean energy project is a vital step toward reducing our dependency on coal-fired power generation.”

Mr. Kieran said “Today marks a significant milestone for EDF Renewables as we continue to grow our installed base of operating solar capacity in Ontario. When our 2010 solar construction plans are complete, EDF Renewables will be harnessing 60 MWdc of solar energy and feeding it to the distribution grid.”

The St. Isidore Solar Project is one of three projects currently under construction and will join the Elmsley Solar Project, located near Lombardy in the Township of Rideau Lakes, as part of EDF Renewables’ 2010 solar achievements. In 2009, EDF Renewables placed the Arnprior Solar Project in service, which added almost 24 MWdc to Ontario power’s system. All five sites have been developed under the Government of Ontario’s Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program (RESOP).

Together these projects have employed more than 600 workers in Ontario during the design, engineering and construction stages. Nearly 16,000 homes in the province will be supplied clean electricity generated at these facilities during periods of peak demand.

About EDF Renewables Inc.:
EDF Renewables Inc. – 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. EDF Renewables Inc. is actively engaged in building partnerships to develop ground-mount and rooftop solar PV opportunities under Ontario’s FIT program. The company offers financial strength, technical innovation and an unmatched commitment to customer service. EDF Renewables Inc. draws on the market leadership of enXco, EDF EN’s American affiliate. With more than 3,000 MW of renewable energy projects in service or under construction, EDF EN is at the forefront of renewable energy development. www.edf-en.ca

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