EDF EN Canada Inc. announced April 14 the signing of a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) for a total of 60 MW of wind energy.
Selected by the IESO in the Large Renewable Procurement I Request for Proposal (LRP I RFP), this project represents a strategic partnership between EDF EN Canada and the Aamjiwnaang First Nation. The Romney Wind Energy Centre is situated on more than 10,000 acres of privately-owned land in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and the Town of Lakeshore. It is comprised of up to 20 wind turbines.
Construction of the project is planned to begin in the summer of 2018, following the receipt of all required provincial and municipal permits. Commercial operation is expected in 2019.
“Following EDF EN Canada’s positive experience engaging and working with First Nations and local communities as partners in various jurisdictions across Canada, we’ve expanded this model in Ontario through a partnership with Aamjiwnaang First Nation for the Romney Wind Energy Centre,” said Cory Basil, Vice President of Development for EDF EN Canada. “In addition, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent has the option to acquire an equity interest in the project.”
Chief of Aamjiwnaang First Nation Chris Plain said: “We are seeking to put forth a new development model thinking out of the box that will maximize the economic benefit to the First Nation for future generations to come. Our experience having a long-standing development corporation with a thriving industrial park built on long-term relationships and partnerships has shown us that when we focus on the benefits that we can bring to our partners, we can achieve success as our partners succeed.”
EDF EN Canada, a subsidiary of EDF Energies Nouvelles, is a market leader in renewable energy, with more than 1,600 MW of wind and solar power facilities in service or under development. Headquartered in Toronto and Montreal, EDF EN Canada employs an integrated approach to project development covering all aspects from conception to commissioning through to generation and long term operations. EDF EN Canada draws on the market expertise of EDF Renewable Energy, EDF Energies Nouvelles’ U.S. subsidiary.
Aamjiwnaang, formerly known as Chippewas of Sarnia First Nation, are located on the shores of St. Clair River.
