Catalyst Paper recently announced that it has agreed, subject to court approval, to sell its approximately 50% interest in Powell River Energy Inc. and Powell River Energy Limited Partnership to Powell River Energy Trust, a Brookfield Renewable Energy affiliate for $33 million. Powell River Energy Trust currently holds the other 50% stake in the Powell River Energy joint venture originally established in 2001.
“Sale of this energy asset to our joint venture partner enables a smooth operational transition, maintains reliable electricity supply for our Powell River paper mill under a power purchase agreement and ensures we meet the terms of the plan of arrangement in a timely way,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin J. Clarke. All electricity generated by Powell River Energy will be sold to Catalyst under a power purchase agreement which expires in 2016 with possible extension to 2021 at Catalyst’s discretion.