Boralex, Innu partners launch Apuiat wind farm

Executive Summary

• Apuiat Wind Farm LP, a 50/50 joint venture between the Innu Communities and Boralex Inc., has officially brought its 200-megawatt wind facility to commercial operation.
• The project is located on the Nitassinan territory of the Uashat mak Mani-utenam First Nation in Quebec’s Cote-Nord region, marking the first wind farm built in this specific region and the first national energy project for the Innu.
• The facility consists of 34 Vestas V162 turbines (6 MW each), representing the most powerful turbines ever commissioned in Quebec, with electricity sold to Hydro-Quebec under a 30-year power purchase agreement.

Key Details

• Project Capacity: 200 megawatts (MW).
• Ownership Structure: 50/50 partnership between Apuiat Wind Farm LP (Innu Communities) and Boralex Inc.
• Location: Nitassinan (traditional territory) of the Uashat mak Mani-utenam First Nation, Cote-Nord region, Quebec.
• Technology: 34 Vestas V162 turbines, each with a 6 MW capacity.
• Revenue Agreement: Electricity sold to Hydro-Quebec under a 30-year power purchase agreement.
• Economic Benefits for Innu Communities:
  • 50% share of the project's net earnings over the next 30 years.
  • Annual royalties of $1 million, shared equally between Uashat mak Mani-utenam and the municipality of Port-Cartier.
  • $19 million awarded in goods and services contracts to indigenous businesses.
• Employment and Training:
  • Over 300 workers mobilized during the construction phase.
  • 11 long-term jobs created locally for operations.
  • Creation of the first wind maintenance training program for indigenous communities in collaboration with Mitshapeu Training Centre, Groupe Collegia, and Vestas.
• Energy Output: Enough electricity to power approximately 150,000 people annually (or equivalent to 40,000 homes).
• Milestones: First large-scale wind project commissioned in Quebec since 2018; marks the revival of wind energy development in the province.
• Future Events: Official inauguration planned for spring 2026.

Notable Quotes

• Martin Dufour, Chief of energy matters for the Innu Nation: "This is our first national energy project, but certainly not the last."
• Marc Genest, President, Apuiat Wind Farm LP: "Commissioning is therefore not the end of a project's development, but the beginning of a great story."
• Patrick Decostre, President and CEO of Boralex: "Its commissioning represents much more than a milestone in the execution of Boralex's strategic plan and growth trajectory -- it's a tangible example of shared value creation."