On May 12, 2003, Hydro-Quebec Distribution called for tenders for the production of 1,000 MW of wind energy for the Matane county in the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine region of Quebec.
Borea Construction, a subsidiary of Pomerleau Inc. from a partnership with D.H. Blattner & Sons Inc., was awarded the contract, which consisted in building 85 windmills for a total of 127.5 MW of installed rated power and 35% average use. Sitting on a tower 80 metres tall, the rotor extends the height of each windmill to almost 120 metres.
The turbines, based on GE Energy technology, are designed to operate at extremely cold temperatures and have a projected life span of over twenty years.
Interesting facts and figures:
- Approximate area: 20 000 ha
- Total power: 127.5 MW
- Rotor diameter, including blades: 75 m
- Rotating speed: 10 to 20 rpm