The 6th Quebec Wind Energy Industry Gala, presented by Siemens Gamesa, recognized the outstanding organizations and individuals in Quebec's wind industry over the past two years. The event was held within the framework of the 12th Quebec Wind Energy Conference and brought together more than 205 participants. 

LM Wind Power Canada won the award in the Manufacturing Enterprise category due to the unprecedented growth it has experienced. To meet the needs of its clientele, the business had to expand its plant by 40% and hire 300 new workers, bringing the total number of employees to 475, and all this in just a few months. 

The manufacturing business also distinguished itself in the Exports category, notably thanks to a major long-term contract it secured in the United States in 2016. LM Wind Power Canada increased its blade production 400% in 2017, and the Gaspé plant is now one of the world leaders within the LM group. 

To cap off the evening, the LM Wind Power Canada team went back on stage to receive the Enterprise of the Year award, which is well deserved, considering its achievements. 

The award in the Wind Farm Developer category went to the Nicolas-Riou wind farm, a public-private partnership between the Régie intermunicipale de l'énergie du Bas-Saint-Laurent, the Régie intermunicipale de l'énergie Gaspésie-ÃŽles-de-la-Madeleine, and EDF Renewables. This fruitful collaboration demonstrates the feasibility of successfully carrying out major projects by aligning the stakeholders' interests, thereby maximizing spinoffs for the communities. The Nicolas-Riou wind farm is the largest community wind projects in Canada and is a model of social innovation in this field. 

EDF Renewables took top honours in the Wind Farm Operation and Maintenance category. Determined to position itself among the leading producers of renewable energy in Canada, EDF Renewables includes eight wind farms in Quebec that provide 1227.6 megawatts of power, that is to say 30% of the total installed wind power in the province. EDF Renewables stands out thanks to its work adapting wind technology for cold climates. 

The Service Enterprise award was presented to PESCA Environnement. The business works with its customers to ensure their projects' success by helping them meet environmental requirements. Over the past two years, PESCA Environnement has conducted more than 25 environmental monitoring projects in the wind industry. Thanks to the growing reputation of its expertise, a team was set up in Calgary in 2016, where the business has already participated in wind projects totalling 600 megawatts in Western Canada.

Technostrobe won the award in the Innovation category. Aware of the importance of social acceptance when it comes to developing wind farms, Technostrobe works to mitigate the visual impact of beacons to offer local communities a more peaceful environment at night. The business has developed the new LIDS technology that significantly reduces the intensity level of beacons on wind farms, all the while providing safety guidance for pilots. Its new solution has been installed on wind farms in Canada and the United States. 

And lastly, Eva Lotta Schmidt was selected by the jury to receive the Personality of the Year award. Business development manager for ENERCON, Ms. Schmidt is also responsible for communications and government relations for Quebec and the Maritime provinces within the business. Thanks to her extensive experience, this vibrant and tenacious woman contributes to ensuring that wind energy has a prominent place within the Government of Quebec's 2016-2030 energy policy, by providing the overall perspective of a manufacturer and maintenance service provider. 

A tribute award for Shaun Stanley 

The Gala's organizing committee wished to posthumously recognize Shaun Stanley's contribution to the wind industry. Mr. Stanley, one of the owners of Suspendem, died tragically last December. 

The members of the industry will remember Shaun Stanley, a warm and enthusiastic man, as a forerunner who was among Techéol's first employees, was the first certified rope access technician in the Gaspé area, and was the first high-rise rescue trainer for Groupe Collegia. He had trained most of Quebec's wind turbine maintenance technicians with dedication before launching Suspendem with his partners, which earned it an excellent reputation from the outset. The tribute award was presented to some of his relatives who accepted it on behalf of the family. 

"On behalf of the jury, I wish to congratulate all the finalists and winners who, through their achievements, contribute to promoting Quebec's wind energy here and abroad," stated Frédéric Côté, General Manager of Nergica, the organization behind the 6th Quebec Wind Energy Industry Gala. "Our industry is made up of passionate businesses and individuals who have Quebec and its regions' development at heart." 

Nergica | www.nergica.com