Hydro had to choose between twenty wind projects

To meet its growing electricity needs, Hydro-Québec will be spoiled for choice and will have to choose between 24 new renewable energy collection projects for its network.

Last December, in a context of rapidly shrinking surpluses, Hydro launched two tenders to buy two separate blocks of 300 MW of power from wind sources and 480 MW of power from renewable sources.

A total of 27 projects were finally submitted, while the state corporation rejected three applications. Hydro will analyze these 24 bids totaling 4205.3 MW.

Foreign and Quebec projects

French group EDF’s Canadian subsidiaries stand out with seven projects presented, especially in the Bass-Saint-Laurent and Chaudière-Appalaches regions.

American energy producer Invenergy, whose majority shareholder is Caisse de Depot et Placement du Québec (CDPQ), will have four projects studied by the state-owned firm.

Quebec companies Innergex and Kruger Energy, as well as Hydro, have also submitted proposals aimed at generating renewable energy.

“In the next few months, Hydro-Québec will evaluate the bids and communicate the results of the selected bids at the end of the analysis process,” the government corporation pointed out.

Delivery by 2026

Once signed, the contracts must be approved by the Régie de l’Energie and the promoters are responsible for obtaining the necessary authorizations and permits. Power supplies must start after 1^er December 2026.

Last March, during the launch of her strategic plan, Hydro-Québec’s boss Sophie Brochu announced new wind generation projects to prevent water shortages in Quebec.

In total, 3000 MW of wind and renewable energy will be added to the network in the coming years.