Boralex Inc and Gaz Metro Ltd said on Wednesday they have received an environmental green light from the province of Quebec for two wind power projects they plan to develop.

The companies said they can now apply for construction permits and seek financing for the projects, which will be built on one site 60 kilometers (37 miles) northeast of Quebec City. They will have a total installed capacity of 272 megawatts.

The Seigneurie de Beaupre wind farms are expected to start operating in December 2013, said Boralex, which produces wind, hydroelectric and thermal power, and gas distribution company Gaz Metro.

Canada's installed wind power capacity is 2,775 MW, enough to power over 840,000 homes, according to the Canada Wind Energy Association.

Demand for alternative energy may be taking a pause as prices for conventional energy have fallen from record highs last year. Developers also face tight and costly credit markets.

Shares in Boralex gained 5 Canadian cents to close at C$7.55 on the Toronto Stock Exchange on Wednesday and units of Gaz Metro declined 7 Canadian cents to end at C$14.81.

($1=$1.17 Canadian)

Canada