Hydro-Quebec signs partnership to develop 3000 MW of wind power capacity
One month after launching its strategy to accelerate wind power development, Hydro-Quebec 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.
Wednesday, the Crown corporation said it is joining forces with the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation, the Wemotaci Atikamekw and the MRC Domaine-du-Roy to develop the 5,000 km2 Chamouchouane zone.
The area could host up to 3,000 megawatts (MW) of wind power capacity and several wind farms with investments totalling $9 billion.
Work is slated to start in August to confirm an initial project, including installing equipment to collect wind quality data.
The partnership, which was ratified in 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 could benefit from independent revenues.
They are also expected to be involved in development planning, according to the press release.
This partnership is part of Hydro-Quebec's new strategy, presented on May 30, which aims to deploy 10,000 MW of additional wind power capacity by 2035.
Hydro-Quebec will also be the project owner rather than simply purchasing the electricity once the turbines have been built.
The decision to partner with the Indigenous communities and the municipality will allow them, as shareholders, to be involved in the early stages of project planning to ensure social acceptability.
"This egalitarian partnership embodies very well the vision we set out in our Wind Energy Development Strategy," said Hydro-Québec President and CEO Michael Sabia. "Together with our local partners, we will embark on a joint, collaborative approach that will have benefits for all of Quebec."
Community consultation is scheduled to begin next month.
The projects will take place "progressively and in coordination with the evolution 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-Quebec says it wants to prioritize the development of initiatives that can reach a capacity in excess of 1,000 MW.
It is also seeking to better coordinate wind power planning.
-- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on July 3, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Protesters smash windows at McGill University; police use tear gas to disperse crowd
Montreal police deployed tear gas and dispersed a crowd of protesters participating in a pro-Palestinian demonstration after members of the group smashed windows at McGill University Friday evening.
Biden rejects independent medical evaluation in ABC interview as he fights to stay in race
U.S. President Joe Biden, fighting to save his endangered reelection effort, used a highly anticipated TV interview Friday to repeatedly reject taking an independent medical evaluation that would show voters he is up for serving another term in office while blaming his disastrous debate performance on a 'bad episode' and saying there were 'no indications of any serious condition.'
Canada gains early lead over Venezuela in Copa America quarter-final
Canada has taken an early lead over Venezuela in their Copa America quarter-final with Jacob Shaffelburg scoring the first point of the game.
Owe money for CERB? Here's how the CRA is getting it back
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) may face some hurdles in collecting the money loaned through COVID-19 pandemic relief programs, like the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), according to a tax lawyer.
Stay away from hogweed: What you need to know about these pesky and dangerous plants
Hogweed is harmful to humans and, experts say, the invasive species has become a growing problem in southern Ontario.
N.B. man denied flight due to tear in passport’s seam
What seemed to be a minor passport issue turned into a major problem for a New Brunswick man who was denied a boarding pass from Air Canada.
Earth's core has slowed so much it's moving backward, scientists confirm. Here's what it could mean
Deep inside Earth is a solid metal ball that rotates independently of our spinning planet, like a top whirling around inside a bigger top, shrouded in mystery.
Summer jobs could prove tough to come by for students, according to latest job stats
Statistics Canada’s latest jobs report shows youth unemployment reached a near decade high.
Ottawa woman, 49, wins $70 million, plans to help community
An Ottawa woman, who has survived cancer and has overcome addiction, has won $70 million with Lotto Max.