Hydro-Quebec lays out wind development strategy targeting 10 GW

Canadian utility Hydro-Quebec last week presented a development strategy through which it hopes to add 10 GW of wind power generation by 2035, including in some cases through 1-GW-plus projects with First Nations and municipalities.

The company said on Thursday that when it comes to large-scale projects, First Nations and municipalities will be actively involved as partners right from the outset, while Hydro-Quebec will serve as shareholder and "maître-d’oeuvre" for the overall planning and realisation of the schemes.

“We believe that this strategy is the best way to develop wind power in a socially acceptable way, and at the lowest possible cost,” said Michael Sabia, president and CEO of Hydro-Quebec.

The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) hailed Hydro-Quebec’s plan, saying that the utility’s proposal to cooperate with the First Nations from the early stages of major wind energy projects is “certainly a step in the right direction.”

Hydro Quebec noted it will continue to prefer holding tenders for smaller-scale projects of up to 300 MW-350 MW.

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