Canadian power trio plans 1.2GW wind complex to future-proof 'flexibility' in Quebec grid

Boralex, Energir and Hydro-Quebec form partnership to invest up to $2bn to develop three 400MW projects in the Seigneurie de Beaupré territory of eastern province

Boralex's Temiscouata wind farm in Quebec, which features Enercon turbines
Boralex's Temiscouata wind farm in Quebec, which features Enercon turbinesFoto: Boralex

Canadians energy players Boralex, Énergir and Hydro-Quebec have formed a partnership to invest up to C$3bn ($2bn) to develop a trio of 400MW wind projects in the Seigneurie de Beaupré territory in the province of Quebec.

The proposed wind power facilities, Des Neiges South and West, and Charlevoix, are to be developed at a site close to the existing 364MW Seigneurie de Beaupré complex, which is operated by Boralex and Énergir.

“With the energy transition and the expected growth in electricity needs in Quebec, it is imperative that we have the required flexibility when it comes to supplies,” said Sophie Brochu, CEO of Hydro-Quebec.

The Des Neiges projects will require approvals from provincial regulators and local Indigenous communities. Field studies and environmental impact studies are being carried out, as well as the preliminary engineering work to specify the configurations of the wind projects.

Under the agreement, the three partners will participate equally in the projects through affiliated companies.

Quebec is the number two Canadian province in total wind generation capacity with 3.9GW, trailing only Ontario (5.5GW), but ahead of Alberta (2.2GW), according to Canadian Renewable Energy Association numbers on 1 January.
Boralex, based in Kingsey Falls, Quebec, east of Montreal, is a publicly traded independent power producer. Privately held Energir, formerly Gaz Metro and based in Montreal, is the largest natural gas distributor in Quebec and owns Green Mountain Power in the neighbouring US state of Vermont, which provides 100% carbon-free electricity.
Hydro-Quebec is a public utility that is the largest hydroelectricity producer in North America and a leading exporter of renewable energy to the north-eastern US.
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Published 20 April 2022, 15:47Updated 20 April 2022, 15:47
Hydro-QuebecBoralexQuebecCanadaNorth America