Cartier énergie éolienne officially launches operations at the Gros-Morne-Sainte-Madeleine wind farm

Cartier Énergie éolienne is pleased to announce today with the Minister Delegate of the Gaspé region and deputy of Gaspé, Mr. Gaétan Lelièvre, Member of Parliament Haute-Gaspésie-La Mitis-Matane-Matapedia, Mr. Jean-François Fortin, as well as the prefect and mayors of the region, the official opening of the wind farm Gros Morne Phase II Sainte-Madeleine whose commercial operation began on November 6.

The construction of Phase 1 and 2 of the Gros-Morne-Sainte-Madeleine wind farm has resulted in an investment of more than $173 million in the designated region, namely the equivalent of 60% of the total development and construction costs.  More than 750 workers contributed to the success of this project, most of who come from the Gaspé region and the MRC of Matane.

With this project, Cartier énergie éolienne has 589,5 MW of wind energy in the Gaspésie area and the MRC of Matane. The end of the construction of the Gros-Morne-Sainte-Madeleine wind farm also marks the implementation of the projects under the first call for tenders by Hydro-Quebec to purchase 1000 MW of wind energy.

This project was carried out with a high social acceptance of the environment.  The people of Gaspé have truly contributed to the success of the Gros-Morne-Sainte-Madeleine wind farm and they can be proud of their accomplishment.  The tenacity and pride of the Gaspé residents to develop this energy has not only benefit the Gaspésie region to develop a new industry with more than 1,000 jobs, but also to promote even more Quebec as a leader in the field of renewable energy.

The next 20 years will now be dedicated to operating the Gros-Morne-Sainte-Madeleine wind farm which counts 141 windmills and has a capacity of 211.5 MW.  It should be noted as well that, over the term, Cartier énergie éolienne will pay the municipalities and local organizations in Saint-Maxime-du-Mont-Louis and Sainte-Madeleine-de-la-Rivière-Madeleine royalties and voluntary annual contributions worth more than $270,000, namely $5.4 million dollars over 20 years.

Cartier énergie éolienne, which has its head office in Longueuil, is proud to be able to implement its fifth wind farm within the time frame specified in the first call for tenders issued by Hydro-Québec Distribution for the purchase of 1000 MW of wind energy.  Cartier énergie éolienne is a partnership of Trans-Canada Corporation and Innergex Énergie Renouvelable inc.