EDF Energies Nouvelles Canada has signed a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) for a total of 60MW of wind energy.
Selected by the IESO in the Large Renewable Procurement I Request for Proposal ("LRP I RFP"), this renewable energy 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.
Comprised of up to 20 wind turbines, the project is estimated to create local benefits of approximately $3.6 million over the lifetime of the project in community initiatives and property taxes and will create around 200 jobs during the construction phase.
Construction of the project is planned to begin in Summer 2018, following the receipt of all required provincial and municipal permits; commercial operation is expected in 2019.
EDF EN Canada Inc. will continue to engage locally with the community, First Nations and other key stakeholders throughout the development process.
EDF EN Canada development vice president Cory Basil said: "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.
"In addition, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent has the option to acquire an equity interest in the project. This is a great opportunity to create renewable power on a large scale for the Province, working together with the communities involved."
"Our success is the result of the combined effort of each individual on our team and our partners and we are proud to help Ontario deliver its clean energy strategy."
Aamjiwnaang First Nation Chief 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."
Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope also said: "The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is very proud to once again stand as a leader in Ontario’s sustainable future and we look forward to the development of the Romney Wind Energy Centre.
"We worked closely with EDF EN Canada to ensure that the interests of the municipality were front and center and we’re happy to say that they cooperated with us openly and honestly every step of the way."