GASPE UPDATE

Speaking at last month's CanWEA conference Richard Legault of Kenetech Windpower in Montreal presented an update on progress towards regulatory approval and construction of Kenetech's two 50 MW nameplate wind farms on the Gaspe Peninsula for electricity supply to Hydro Quebec. Approval of its environmental impact study from the Quebec government is expected shortly and the firm is to seek project financing and an interconnect agreement with Hydro Quebec. Power purchase contracts were signed nearly two years ago. Construction and commissioning are expected next summer and fall, with commercial operation in December 1996. The aim of supplying the area's total peak consumption of 1000 MW with wind is a "reasonable objective," he says. The peninsula currently has no generating stations, and imports its electricity from James Bay hydroelectric plants.