Pattern Development reaches FC on 147 MW wind project in Québec

Pattern Energy Group LP has announced the completion of CAD263 million (US$195 million) construction-to-term financing for its 147 MW Mont Sainte-Marguerite Wind project, which is now entering full-stage construction.

Financing was provided by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and Bayerische Landesbank, and fully amortizes over the term of the project's 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Hydro-Québec. Mont Sainte-Marguerite Wind is located approximately 50 kilometers south of Québec City, in the Chaudière-Appalaches region.

The Mont Sainte-Marguerite Wind project is utilizing 46 Siemens innovative 3.2 MW direct drive wind turbines. Components for the turbines will be sourced from Québec and leverage the highly-skilled labor force and manufacturing facilities in the province.

Approximately 250 skilled workers are being employed on site at the peak of construction activity. Once operational the project will create approximately ten permanent jobs for ongoing operations and maintenance, in addition to utilizing a number of local contractors.

The project will provide more than US$775,000 annually to Pattern Development's community partners, the municipalities of Sacré-Coeur-de-Jésus, Saint-Sylvestre and Saint-Séverin, which are stakeholders in the project and active participants in its development.

Upon completion, the Mont Sainte-Marguerite Wind project is expected to generate enough power for approximately 27,000 Québec homes annually, according to power use statistics from Hydro-Québec. The project site, which is located on one of the higher elevations in Southern Québec, has one of the strongest wind resources in the region.

Mike Garland, CEO of Pattern Development said: 

"With the close of construction financing we expect swift progress on our first project in Québec and anticipate completing the facility by the end of the year. The project is bringing jobs and economic benefits to the Chaudière-Appalaches region. We are using local construction workers from Québec and installing Siemens turbines with locally-sourced turbine components, supporting manufacturers in the province."

The Mont Sainte-Marguerite Wind project is being constructed by Borea, under the supervision of both Pattern Development's construction management team and RES Canada, as the primary on-site construction manager. The project began construction in the third quarter of 2016. It is expected to reach commercial operation in December 2017.