Why Québec?
Power-Generating Capacity


Nearly 99% of all energy produced in Québec is renewable, and almost entirely hydroelectric. The predominance of this clean, affordable source of energy is a hallmark of Québec and gives it an undeniable advantage in North American markets.

 

  • GHG emissions from Québec’s hydroelectric generating stations are similar to those of wind energy, or 70 times lower than coal-fired power stations.
  • In Québec, electricity costs are 49% lower than in the G7 countries, on average, and 36% lower than in the United States.
  • Most of the rest of Québec’s energy is produced with natural gas, especially in the industrial sector.

A reliable power grid

 

Photo of the Daniel-Johnson dam and the Manic-5 generating station

 

Québec’s power grid, the largest in North America, is one of the most reliable systems in the world.

 

  • North America’s power transmission system meets the highest standards.
  • Québec’s power grid is independent from neighbouring transmission systems and has been recognized by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) as a full interconnection since 2006.

 

Hydro-Québec: A dynamic corporation that knows how to innovate

Hydro-Québec Ouvre une nouvelle fenêtreis not only one of the largest hydropower generators in the world, but also an innovative government corporation that makes a significant contribution to Québec’s economic development by generating, transmitting, distributing and exporting electricity.

A cutting-edge research and innovation facility

 

Hydro-Québec is North America’s only electric utility to boast its own research centre, the Institut de recherche d'Hydro-Québec Open a new window(IREQ). In addition, the corporation funds university research.

 

  • IREQ’s scientific research helps extend the life of dams, enhance equipment performance, automate power system operations and increase the transmission capacity of high-voltage lines.
  • IREQ’s researchers are also working on the electrification of transportation systems. The projects under way include developing new battery-related technologies.
  • In partnership with the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology  Open a new window(IBN) in Singapore, the research team led by Karim Zaghib, one of IREQ’s world-renowned researchers, has made a major technological breakthrough that could double the storage capacity of rechargeable batteries.

Natural gas: A complementary option

Close-up of blue flames from a gas burnerNatural gas is another source of energy that’s very accessible in Québec. That’s why many plants choose it every year.

 

Natural gas is available in Québec’s major industrial centres, and businesses can negotiate fixed-price agreements under certain conditions.

 

Several programs help cut the cost of switching to new energy-saving equipment and building or renovating energy-efficient buildings.

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Why choose Québec?

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