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the company to accelerate its growth across North America. The deal includes over 1000 MW of wind development projects in Québec and over ,000 MW of battery storage development projects in Ontario. FirstLight will also welcome Hydromega’s employees into its expanding team. “The strategic acquisition of the Hydroméga
platform continues an exciting and transformational period for FirstLight,” said Alicia Barton, President and CEO of FirstLight. “By adding Hydroméga’s development capabilities and operational assets to FirstLight’s existing diversified renewables and energy storage portfolio, we will position ourselves for even greater growth in the years ahead as we pursue our mission to accelerate the decarbonization of the electric grid by building, operating, and integrating renewable energy and storage to meet the world’s growing clean energy needs. We look forward to working with the talented team at Hydroméga and their First Nations and local government partners to deliver clean, reliable power to the communities of Québec, Ontario and beyond.” Hydromega Services Inc brings over 36 years of experience in originating, developing, implementing, and operating clean electricity production facilities in Québec and 20 years in Ontario. The company played a pivotal role in the early days of the renewable energy sector in Canada, having originated over 1000MW, representing more than 25% of the installed wind power capacity in Québec. “As an early leader in Canada’s renewable
energy sector, we are proud to join forces with FirstLight to accelerate the development of our diversified clean energy portfolio to fight climate change and increase access to renewable power in our current target markets, Québec, Ontario and beyond,” said Stéphane Boyer, CEO of Hydroméga. “As a leading independent clean power provider, we have always strived to build partnerships with local communities and organizations committed to the development of their region’s renewable power potential, and we are proud of the meaningful partnerships that have been established with local governments for over two decades. Given its track record of managing clean energy assets and natural resources in harmony with the environment, it is clear that FirstLight shares our values, so joining forces with them makes sense on many levels.” Jacky Cerceau, President and co-owner
of Hydromega, echoed Boyer’s sentiments: “FirstLight understands and has a deep respect for Hydromega’s Québec and Canadian heritage, which has been a key component of Hydromega’s historic success and will remain an important factor in the future.” Philip Lawee, co-owner of Hydromega, added, “FirstLight will provide Hydroméga with the ability to accelerate its growth and continue its expansion across Canada and North America. Jacky and I are confident that Hydroméga’s new partners will elevate the
company to a new level and achieve great success.”
TD Securities is acting as the financial advisor
to Hydromega in this transaction, with Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP as legal counsel and KPMG representing Hydromega as its tax advisor. Blakes, Cassels & Graydon LLP is serving as FirstLight’s legal counsel.
Nepal Texmaco-SSMPL JV secures contract for Arun-3 hydropower project Texmaco-SSMPL JV, a joint venture led by Texmaco, has inked a significant contract (Package C-5) with the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) Arun-3 Power Development Company Limited (SAPDC) for the Arun-3 hydroelectric power plant, a 900MW run-of- the-river hydropower project currently under construction in Nepal. The Texmaco-SSMPL JV, having recently
secured an order valued at Rs 179.89 crore from SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company Limited, is set to play a pivotal role in the project’s progression. The scope of work encompasses procurement, fabrication, shop assembly, painting, testing, transportation, supply, erection, site testing, and commissioning of the Pressure Shaft Steel Liner. This job comprises the installation of two lanes of Pressure Shaft Steel Liner with a diameter of 5500mm, two bifurcations, four branches with a diameter of 4000mm each, along with the necessary accessories. The total estimated tonnage for this task stands at 4700 metric tonnes. The Arun-3 hydroelectric power plant, governed under the build, own, operate, and transfer (BOOT) model, is a collaborative effort between India’s SJVN and the Nepalese government. SAPDC, a wholly owned subsidiary of SJVN, will oversee the operation of the facility for a period of 25 years, excluding the initial construction phase lasting five years. Following this tenure, the ownership of the power plant will be transferred to the Nepal government. One of the most noteworthy aspects of this
agreement is the significant benefit it brings to Nepal. During the initial 25 years of commercial operations, Nepal will receive 21.9% of the electricity generated at the Arun-3 power plant as free power.
US
New hydro-themed comic book aims to spotlight hydropower’s hidden world In an effort to shed light on the often-overlooked world of hydropower, a new hydro-themed edition of the Spark Squad Comic Book series has been unveiled. This unique initiative, led by experts at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), seeks to educate readers, young and old alike, about the vital role of
8 | October 2023 |
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hydropower in our clean energy future. The Spark Squad Comic Book series, known for its focus on renewable energy, introduces readers to a group of young adventurers who explore various forms of clean energy. The first edition captivated audiences with its depiction of wave energy powering a boat through a turbulent storm. Now, in its second installment, the Spark Squad embarks on a journey to Georgia’s Richard B. Russell Dam and Lake, uncovering the world of hydropower along the way.
Jennifer Daw, a water power group manager and senior researcher at NREL, believes that this comic book is a powerful tool for making hydropower more visible. “Hydropower—it has to be more than just a dam,” says one of the comic’s characters. The story goes beyond dams, delving into the intricate mechanisms and environmental considerations of modern hydropower. The choice to focus on hydropower comes as the industry grapples with misconceptions and a need for a new, diverse workforce to replace retiring experts. By engaging younger generations through engaging narratives like the Spark Squad Comic Book, the hope is to attract new talent and interest in this vital sector. Elise DeGeorge, a project leader for wind and water power workforce development at NREL, emphasizes the importance of reaching out to communities. “You can’t just talk to the student,” she explains. “You have to reach the communities.” The comic book initiative has already gained traction, with printed versions flying off the shelves at recent conferences and the virtual version going viral. It provides a fresh perspective on hydropower careers, showcasing underwater welders, plant engineers, and biologists working together to ensure the health of both the industry and the environment. You can download the Spark Squad comic book series at
https://www.energy.gov/ energysaver/spark-squad-comic-books.
Brazil
Statkraft becomes sole owner of Brazilian subsidiary Statkraft Energias Renováveis (SKER) Statkraft has acquired the remaining 18.69% of shares in its Brazilian subsidiary, Statkraft Energias Renováveis (SKER), making it the sole owner of SKER. The shares were purchased from Fundação dos Economiários Federais (Funcef), the third-largest pension fund in Brazil. This transaction, which solidifies Statkraft’s position in the Brazilian renewable energy market, marks an important milestone in the company’s ongoing growth and sustainability efforts. The company currently manages 14 hydro power plants and 4 wind farms in the country, boasting an installed capacity of approximately 450MW.
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