Thursday, June 12, 2025
The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is investing $108.3 million, including its first Indigenous equity loan in Quebec, to support construction of the 102.2-megawatt Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n 2 Wind Farm (MU2), located in Gespe’gewa’gi, also known as the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region.
The project is a partnership between Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation (MMBC), representing the Gesgapegiag, Gespeg and Listuguj Mi’gmaq communities and Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.
“This project is about building—building clean energy, good jobs and stronger communities,” said Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. “Through this investment, the Mi’gmaq will advance clean energy, help power homes and secure long-term benefits through community ownership.”
The CIB’s $15.8 million equity loan improves the economic viability of MMBC’s participation in the project, and the remaining $92.5 million is dedicated to the project construction. The project was the only one from two provincial tenders for 780-megawatt blocks of renewable energy to include an Indigenous community partner as a sponsor.
“With our first investment in a Quebec wind energy project, the CIB is helping another province expand its clean electricity production and expand the capacity of its grid,” said Ehren Cory, CEO of CIB. “This aligns with our mandate to support meaningful Indigenous economic and social development while investing in clean power opportunities.”
Additional financing to the project includes a $163.9 million green loan, a $41 million construction bridge loan and a letter of credit facility from CIBC, Desjardins and National Bank of Canada.
The MU2 project is expected to generate approximately 150 direct construction jobs, with a commitment to hire at least 30% of the workforce from local Mi’gmaq communities. Revenues will be reinvested into community initiatives.
The wind farm will be located on the Mi’gmaq traditional territory of Gespe’gewa’gi, near Rivière-Nouvelle. It will be developed adjacent to the 150-megawatt Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n Wind Farm (MU1), also a 50/50 partnership between the Mi’gmaq communities and Innergex.
MU2 will feature Nordex turbines, generating enough electricity to power 20,000 Quebec homes through a 30-year power purchase agreement with Hydro-Quebec. The project is expected to cut emissions by 153,053 tonnes annually and supports the public utility’s Electricity Supply Plan, which forecasted a 12% rise in demand between 2019 and 2029.
Operations are expected to begin in late 2026.
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Featured image credit: CNW Group/CIB
