Hydro-Québec signs a partnership to develop 3,000 MW of wind power capacity

One month after launching its strategy to accelerate wind power development, Hydro-Québec has announced a partnership with two Indigenous communities and a regional municipality to develop various projects across a vast territory in the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean region.

On Wednesday, the Crown corporation said it’s joining forces with the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation, the Atikamekw of Wemotaci and the MRC Domaine-du-Roy to develop 5,000 km2 of the Chamouchouane zone.

The area could accommodate up to 3,000 megawatts (MW) of wind power capacity and include several wind farms with investments totalling $9 billion.

The work is set to begin in August to confirm the first project by installing equipment to collect wind quality data.

The partnership, which was ratified mid-June by a decree from the Quebec government, was described as a “win-win” for all signatories.

By becoming shareholders in the projects, the Indigenous communities and the MRC will be able to benefit from independent revenues.

According to a press release, they will also be involved in development planning.

This partnership is part of Hydro-Québec’s new strategy, presented on May 30, whose objective is to deploy 10,000 MW of additional wind power capacity by 2035.

Hydro-Québec has decided to become the project manager rather than limiting itself to purchasing the electricity once the wind turbines have been built.

The decision to partner with the First Nations communities and municipalities, will allow them as shareholders to participate from the early stages of the project planning to ensure social acceptability.

“This equal partnership perfectly embodies the vision we presented in our Wind Energy Development Strategy. With our local partners, we will begin a joint and collaborative approach that will have benefits for all of Quebec,” said Hydro-Québec President and CEO Michael Sabia in a press release Wednesday.

The community consultation is scheduled to start next month.

The various projects will take place “progressively and in coordination with the development of the electricity transmission network,” the press release states. “The partners will agree together on the optimal strategy for the future, including the participation of industry promoters.”

With its new model, Hydro-Québec says it wants to prioritize the development of initiatives that can reach a capacity beyond 1,000 MW.

It is also seeking to better coordinate wind power planning.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews