Cartier’s Gros-Morne Wind Farm Powered by GE 1.5-77 Turbines
GE’s Local Content Fulfillment Critical to Project Success
Advanced Services Technology Bringing Clean Power to the Gaspésie Region
Cartier Wind Energy announced the operation of its Gros-Morne Phase II wind project, powered by 74 GE (NYSE: GE) 1.5-77 wind turbines and located in the Gaspésie region of Québec. The amount of energy generated by the Gros-Morne wind farm can power approximately 20,000 homes in the province of Québec. Gros-Morne I and II combined is the largest wind farm in Canada with a total output of 211.5 megawatts (MW).
GE is supplying 593, 1.5-77 wind turbines and associated services for wind energy projects in Québec, including Gros-Morne. The projects were awarded as part of Hydro-Québec’s 2004 request for proposals (RFP) to supply the province with 1,000 MW of new wind power capacity by 2012. GE’s local supply chain manufacturing and supplier partners have been integral to the fulfillment of the province’s local content requirements.
Hydro-Québec has purchased the energy under a 20-year power purchase agreement. Cartier Wind Energy is a joint venture between TransCanada and Innergex.
“Cartier énergie éolienne wishes to acknowledge the exemplary work by the GE technicians in the success of the Gros-Morne-Sainte-Madeleine wind farm. You have played an important role in order to deliver the wind farm around 25 days before the date of the commissioning contract with Hydro-Québec. This result demonstrates your professionalism and your commitment," said Robert Guillemette, CEO of Cartier Wind Energy.
The Gros-Morne project includes a four-year GE operations and maintenance service contract with Cartier. GE has more than 50 wind technicians and engineers in Canada providing expertise on parts, maintenance, upgrades and long-term service contracts for a fleet of more than 1,400 units. The company’s regional wind services parts warehouse is located in Toronto for fast and reliable distribution throughout the country.
“We have proven our ability to execute major projects with local content requirements in Québec and are positioned for the upcoming 700-MW RFP expected to be launched in 2013,” said Guy Crepeau, region sales manager for GE’s renewable energy business in Canada. “We are committed to working with developers, including Cartier, as we continue to develop advanced technology to harness Canada’s abundant wind resources.”
Canada is among the world leaders in the production and use of renewable energy. The country’s installed wind base is set to nearly double by 2014, to an expected 10 gigawatts of capacity.