The development of wind power: a winning strategy for Quebec and its regions
Quebec ranks second among Canadian provinces in terms of wind power installed, with 2,398.3 MW—enough electricity to power 600,000 Quebec homes.
This clean and affordable form of energy is also creating some 5,000 full-time jobs in Quebec as well as important spinoffs in host communities. Two places at the heart of this development, the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region and the RCM of La Matanie, have seen major investments, notably the opening of manufacturing facilities.
The impacts of wind energy development are also evident in Montreal. Companies from both Quebec and abroad, service providers, parts manufacturers, project developers and other parties have set up offices in Montréal and are developing their activities for Quebec and markets beyond its borders.
Quebec’s abundant renewable energy resources give the province a competitive advantage, and wind energy complements hydroelectricity better than any other form. It diversifies Quebec’s energy portfolio, while having very little environmental impact.
In May 2013, the Quebec premier announced a further 800 MW through three contracting processes including 450 MW allocated through requests for proposals (announced in December 2013).
Wind energy in Quebec has been developed as part of the Quebec government’s 2006–2015 energy strategy, the goal of which is to install 4,000 MW of wind energy capacity in the province by 2015. This objective should be reached in 2018 with the finalization of the projects totalling 800 MW announced in May 2013.
The Quebec government must develop a new energy policy for after 2015. CanWEA recommends that the Quebec government define clear and specific objectives in its next energy policy for the installation of new wind projects totalling 500 MW of capacity per year between 2018 and 2025. This objective is in keeping with the vision of developing the sector, creating wealth and attracting investment to Gaspé, Montréal and elsewhere in the province.
Wind by the numbersin Quebec (December 2013)
Number of Installations: 26
Number of Wind Turbines: 1388
Total Installed Capacity (MW): 2398,3
Average Turbine Capacity (MW): 1,72
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In its long-term strategic vision, CanWEA proposes to add 8,000 MW of wind energy capacity at the rate of 800 MW per year between 2016 and 2025, increasing the wind energy proportion of Quebec’s overall energy portfolio to 20 per cent.
Submission to the Commission sur les enjeux énergétiques du Québec CanWEA presented its vision to the Commission sur les enjeux énergétiques and recommended that the province continues to develop wind energy and installs up to 500 MW each year between 2018 and 2025.
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2012 Opinion Survey about wind energy in Quebec CanWEA commissioned Léger Marketing to conduct a poll in Quebec to evaluate the public’s opinions with respect to wind energy development in the province.
2010 Poll measures Quebecers’ attitude toward wind energy The survey, conducted by Léger marketing, found that 75 per cent of Quebec residents would like to see the province continue to develop wind energy.
Economic Benefits of the Wind Energy Sector in Quebec (2005-2025)
2025 Wind Energy Prospect – Technical opinion on the integration of an additional 8,000 MW of wind energy to the Hydro-Québec grid