The Innu communities and Boralex’s Apuiat Wind Farm in Quebec has commenced commercial operation.

The Innu and Boralex are operating the wind farm Apuiat Wind Farm L.P., a 50-50 partnership between the two investors.

Located on the Nitassinan of the Uashat mak Mani-utenam First Nation, the 200-megawatt project marks the first national energy initiative led by the Innu and the first wind farm built in the Côte-Nord region. The development also represents the province’s first large-scale wind project since 2018, aligning with Quebec’s renewed energy ambitions.

“The word ‘Apuiat,’ which means ‘oar’ in the Innu language, symbolizes collective effort, movement and common direction,” said Martin Dufout, chief of energy matters for the Innnu and chief of the Innu Essipit Council. “It perfectly embodies the spirit of this project: To move forward, while respective Innu values, towards a sustainable future that brings own-source revenues for our entire Nation.”

Marc Genest, the limited partnership’s president, said the project demonstrates that First Nations can be initiators of major projects.

The facility consists of 34 Vestas V162 turbines, each rated at six megawatts—the most powerful commissioning in the province to date. Electricity will be sold to Hydro-Quebec under a 30-year power purchase agreement.

The project delivers long-term economic benefits, including a 50% share of net earnings for the Innu over three decades and $1 million in annual royalties shared between Uashat mak Mani-utenam and the municipality of Port-Cartier, said Boralex. Indigenous businesses secured $19 million in goods and services contracts, while construction mobilized more than 300 workers and created 11 permanent operational jobs.

Additional impacts include the creation of a wind-maintenance training program for Indigenous communities with local partners, and renewable generation sufficient to power approximately 150,000 people each year. An official inauguration is planned for spring 2026.

Pictured: Apuiat Wind Farm in Quebec.

Photo: Boralex.