ROR Power and Concord Pacific Join Forces on $92 M Skookum Power Project
February 08 2012 - 7:25AM
PR Newswire (Canada)
VANCOUVER, Feb. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - Run of River Power Inc. together
with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sea to Sky Power Corporation
(collectively "ROR Power" or "the Company") announced today that it
has entered into agreements with certain subsidiaries in the
Concord Pacific group of companies (collectively, "Concord") to
provide equity financing for ROR Power's 25 MW Skookum Power
Project (the "Project"). Until the Project obtains third-party
project financing, the Concord financing will be provided by a
convertible debenture of up to $3.0 million, which will be
converted into equity in the Project upon closing of the
third-party project financing transaction and satisfaction of other
closing conditions ("Closing"). Under the terms of the agreements,
upon Closing, Concord will acquire a 100% interest in the Project
in consideration of providing additional equity capital required to
complete the construction of the Project. Total project costs are
estimated at $92 million. In addition, Concord will pay to ROR
Power a development fee of approximately $5.0 million at the time
of Closing which is anticipated to occur during Q2 2012. The final
development fee payment amount will vary with the final
construction cost and financing terms. In addition, ROR Power
has retained a royalty interest in the Project for 10% of the
Project's gross revenues. Upon Concord acquiring a 100% interest in
the Project, ROR Power will be responsible for development,
engineering and construction of the Project pursuant to a
construction agreement as well as ongoing operations thereafter.
ROR Power will provide management services for the Project for a
fee based on the Project's post-debt service cash flows. In
addition, ROR Power will also have an option to convert its royalty
interest into a 50% equity interest in the Project after the 5th
anniversary of the Project's commercial operation date. "We are
delighted to partner with a company of this caliber," said Rick
Hopp, President and CEO of Run of River Power. "This long-term
strategic agreement with Concord provides ROR Power with a solid
financial base from which to continue development of the Skookum
Power Project. The agreement will also help to facilitate the
required debt for construction financing of the project," he added.
"The Run of River Power Project in BC is a continuation of our
Canadian investments of scale in the clean energy sector. We firmly
believe the demand for clean and sustainable green energy will
continue to increase with growing demand for electric powered
vehicles. Together with the shift to eco-density, green energy and
energy efficiency technologies are probably the most measurable and
certain in terms of environmental benefits," remarked Terry Hui,
President and CEO of Concord Pacific. The Company formally signed a
40-year electricity purchase agreement for the Skookum Power
Project with BC Hydro in May 2010. Construction is scheduled to
begin in the second quarter of 2012, with commercial operation set
for January 2014. The Company is in discussions with lenders
regarding long term project financing. When completed, it will be
the Company's second operating hydroelectric power plant in BC.
BowMont Capital and Advisory Ltd. served as exclusive financial
advisor to ROR Power in connection with this transaction. About Run
of River Power Inc. ROR Power develops renewable, sustainable
energy through its portfolio of clean energy projects. The company
helps diversify BC's energy mix by providing a cleaner way to
generate power and increasing the security of BC's energy
supply. ROR Power operates an Eco Logo© certified
hydroelectric power generation station at Brandywine Creek, near
Whistler, BC that provides green power for about 4,000 homes. The
company is well positioned for profitable growth through power
generation initiatives that include its 25 MW Skookum Power
Project, awarded an Electricity Purchase Agreement by BC Hydro in
2010. ROR Power's total development potential is approximately 600
MW. About Concord Green Energy Participating in the future of
infrastructure needs of Canadians has always been a cornerstone to
Canada's first urban community builder. Concord Pacific created
Concord Green Energy to explore and support a variety of zero
carbon energy producing projects of scale. Green energy solutions
will be a key component to the success of sustainable communities
in the future. Creating sustainable and clean energy at the source
to power the communities of the future is the vision of Concord
Green Energy. Concord Green Energy's first power project, Red Lily
I in Saskatchewan, is complete and is successfully generating
renewable energy. Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this
release which describe Run of River Power Inc.'s intentions,
expectations or predictions, or which relate to matters that are
not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These
forward-looking statements involve unknown risks and uncertainties
which may cause the actual results, performances or achievements of
Run of River Power Inc. to be materially different from any future
results, performances or achievements expressed in or implied by
such forward-looking statements. Run of River Power Inc. may update
or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of
new information, future events or changing market and business
conditions and will update such forward-looking statements as
required pursuant to applicable securities laws. Neither TSX
Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term
is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts
responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Run of
River Power Inc. CONTACT: Richard W. HoppPresident and CEOTel:
604-946-9232rhopp@runofriverpower.com
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