The project, located near Gold Bridge in BC, will require investments of $60M and will generate approximately 70GWh annually. All of the main permits have been secured and construction work is set to begin shortly.
The hydroelectric station is slated for commercial commissioning in late 2013. The project is covered by a 40-year electricity purchase agreement with BC Hydro and has a 20-year renewal option.
“We are very pleased to announce this new hydroelectric project to further drive development in British Columbia. A permanent Boralex team will be set up in the province to help ramp up growth. This acquisition is also a perfect fit with our strategic plan and creates great value from the sale proceeds of our US thermal assets,” said Boralex President and CEO Patrick Lemaire.
Boralex and Sequoia will cooperate throughout construction up to commercial operation to ensure that all stakeholder and First Nations expectations are achieved.
The acquisition is subject to the signing of a formal agreement to finalize the terms of a letter of agreement, and to standard closing conditions. Boralex expects the transaction to close in the fall of 2012 and that the financing for the project will be in place before the end of the year.