Hydro-Québec to contribute to funding research on energy, environmental and climate change issues

Hydro-Québec President and Chief Executive Officer Éric Martel announced today that Hydro-Québec will provide a total of CA$100,000 over a two-year period to a research initiative spearheaded by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) of Cambridge, Massachusetts, the climate change think tank, Ouranos, located in Montréal, and the business school HEC Montréal (HEC), also in Montreal.

The agreement provides for the development and implementation of an important modelling tool that will be available for climate change researchers. The tool will focus on Québec and New England and will seek to identify opportunities for optimal expansion of renewable energy sources in the two regions, including expanded trade in electricity.

The three research organizations held a signing ceremony in Boston in presence of the Premier of Québec, Philippe Couillard, who is attending the 40th Annual Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers.

President and CEO, Éric Martel, at Boston press conference

“Hydro-Québec is pleased to be a part of the development of an integrated renewable energy policy model that would help inform decision-makers on both sides of the border, expand the regional, cross-border trade in clean electricity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the continental northeast and ultimately North America.” said Éric Martel, CEO of Hydro-Québec. “Massachusetts has continuously shown leadership on climate issues and establishing closer ties with MIT, known worldwide for the quality of its research, really highlights the know-how of both Ouranos and HEC, two leading Québec institutions in the field of energy and climate change.”

Within the context of Hydro-Québec’s international strategy, cooperation with these research centers will help the company advance its robust R&D agenda on the regional and global levels.

Hydro-Québec delivers reliable electric power and high-quality services. By developing hydraulic resources, it makes a strong contribution to collective wealth and plays a central role in the emergence of a low-carbon economy. As recognized leaders in hydropower and large transmission systems, the company export clean, renewable power and commercialize its expertise and innovations on world markets.

Information:

Gary Sutherland
Hydro-Québec
514-289-4418
Sutherland.gary@hydro.qc.ca