In order to meet its growing electricity needs, Hydro-Québec will be spoiled for choice and will have to choose between 24 new renewable energy acquisition projects for its network.
Last December, in a context where surpluses are rapidly shrinking, Hydro launched two calls for tenders for the purchase of two separate blocks of 300 MW of electricity from wind sources and 480 MW of electricity from renewable sources.
A total of 27 projects were finally submitted, but the state-owned company rejected three files. Hydro will analyze these 24 submissions totaling 4205.3 MW.
Foreign and Quebec projects
The Canadian subsidiaries of the French group EDF stand out with seven projects submitted, particularly in the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Chaudière-Appalaches regions.
The American energy producer Invenergy, whose majority shareholder is the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), will have four projects studied by the state-owned company.
Quebec companies, Innergex and Kruger Energy, as well as Hydro itself, have also submitted proposals aimed at producing renewable energy.
“Over the next few months, Hydro-Québec will evaluate the bids and communicate the results of the bids selected at the end of the analysis process,” said the state corporation.
Delivery by 2026
Once signed, the contracts must be approved by the Régie de l’énergie, and the promoters will be responsible for obtaining the required authorizations and permits. Electricity deliveries must begin no later than December 1, 2026.
Last March, during the launch of her strategic plan, the boss of Hydro-Québec, Sophie Brochu, announced new wind generation projects to prevent Quebec from running out of water.
In total, 3000 MW of wind and renewable energy will be added to the network in the coming years.
