Local, Provincial, and Federal Dignitaries Join Area Residents At Ribbon-Cutting for Invenergy’s Raleigh Wind Energy Centre
CHATHAM-KENT, ONTARIO – (June 8, 2011) – Invenergy Wind LLC (“Invenergy”) today welcomed more than one hundred invited guests, including local, provincial, and federal officials, business and community leaders, and area residents, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the commencement of commercial operations at its Raleigh Wind Energy Centre (“Raleigh”).
Raleigh is a 52-turbine, 78 MW project generating enough clean, renewable energy to power more than 20,000 Ontario homes. Commercial operations started in January. The project interconnects with Hydro One Networks, Inc., and sells its output under a 20-year Supply Contract with the Ontario Power Authority.
“Ontario is at the forefront of the new clean energy economy and through investments in projects such as the Raleigh Wind Energy Centre, we are cleaning up our air and replacing dirty, smog-producing coal with clean, renewable energy,” said the Hon. Brad Duguid, Ontario’s Minister of Energy. “Today’s announcement is further proof that our Long-Term Energy Plan is working as we create thousands of clean energy jobs, attract billions of dollars in investment and create a cleaner, healthier future for our children and grandchildren.”
“Today’s announcement is another example of our Government’s action to increase the supply of clean, renewable energy for Canadians,” said the Hon. Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources. “This clean energy project at the Raleigh wind farm is helping to create high-quality jobs and a sustainable energy source for Ontario’s future.”
“We’re excited that our wind farm will generate homegrown energy in Ontario, and contribute significantly to the economic growth of our host community,” said Jim Shield, Invenergy’s Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer. “We appreciate the support of citizens, area business and community leaders, and local, provincial, and federal officials in the development of this project. We look forward to a long and successful relationship.”
Located on 9,300 acres of private land in the communities of Raleigh and Tilbury East in theMunicipality of Chatham-Kent, the energy centre:
Employed more than 150 skilled workers during construction (from November of 2009 to December of 2010)
Commenced commercial operation on January 29, 2011
Employs 7 full-time workers to operate and maintain the facility
Contributes to the area’s economic development through property tax payments, which can be used for schools, fire and police protection, road repair, and other improvements
Supports the local economy through yearly lease payments to more than 80 landowners, thereby helping preserve prime farmland for future generations
Features 52 1.5 MW GE XLE wind turbines
Connects to a 230 kV power transmission line of the Ontario electricity market, administered by the Independent Electricity System Operator, at a substation built near the power line
Contributes to a provincial goal of replacing energy production from coal with power generated by clean energy sources
Is proud to acknowledge the support of the ecoENERGY for Renewable Power program, created by the government of Canada to increase electricity production in the country from renewable sources
Invenergy also has established a Community Benefit Fund, providing funding for community groups and other nonprofit efforts in the local area.
“This wind farm is part of our vision for a brighter economic future for our local area, and a greener future as well,” said Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope. “We welcome the Raleigh Wind Energy Centre and appreciate Invenergy’s investment in our community.”
Invenergy, which maintains a regional office in Toronto, is majority owner in Raleigh, and operates and manages the facility. A minority interest in Raleigh is held by Marubeni Corporation.
Invenergy also owns and operates the St. Clair Energy Centre, a 580 MW natural gas facility, in the Township of St. Clair, Ontario. In addition, the company has 69 MW of wind and 20 MW of solar projects under long-term Feed-In Tariff contracts in Ontario.
About Invenergy
Invenergy and its affiliated companies develop, own and operate large-scale renewable andother clean energy generation facilities in North America and Europe. Invenergy is committed to clean power alternatives and continued innovation in electricity generation. Invenergy's home office is located in Chicago and it has regional development offices throughout the United States and in Canada and Europe.
Invenergy and its affiliated companies currently have over 6,600 MW of wind, solar, and thermal projects under contract, in construction, or in operation. For more information, please visit www.invenergyllc.com.