Growing energy needs in Québec: Hydro-Québec presents its Overview of Energy Resources

Montréal — Hydro-Québec is entering a critical period during which it will be dealing with rapidly growing electricity demand, which will require a carefully managed implementation of its energy projects. This is the conclusion reached in the report entitled Overview of Hydro-Quebec's Energy Resources, presented as part of the Electricity Supply Plan 2027–2041, submitted to the Régie de l’énergie. This document outlines the projected evolution of Québec’s electricity needs over a 15-year period, as well as the measures planned to meet these needs.

By 2041, Québec customers’ energy needs will increase by approximately 60 TWh, reaching 240 TWh, primarily due to the electrification of transportation and the increased demand from the industrial sector. Combined with the end of certain existing supply agreements, this growth will create a gap between demand and currently available resources. As for the power required to meet winter peak demand, it will increase by approximately 12,000 MW, with a peak of 52,000 MW projected for 2041.

Acting now

The visionary choices made by previous generations have given Québec an enviable energy advantage. To preserve this advantage, prepare for the future, and meet Québec’s growing needs, critical decisions must be made today. Hydro-Québec has already begun to take action, structuring its approach around the following priorities, in accordance with Québec’s Integrated energy resource management plan (IERMP):

• Preserving what exists: Power purchase agreements ending will need to be extended or renewed, whether they involve wind power contracts, biomass cogeneration or small hydroelectric generating stations.
• Making better use of energy: Hydro-Québec is targeting energy savings of 21 TWh, which it intends to achieve through energy efficiency measures, and a reduction in power demand of 3,500 MW by 2035. To reach this goal, it is relying on its Energy Efficient Pathway (in French only), which provides for investments of $10 billion over the same period. To date, 20% of the 21 TWh target has been met.
• Adding new capacity: Hydro-Québec is implementing a diversified portfolio of solutions. This includes, in particular, wind power development, increasing the capacity of certain hydroelectric facilities, and the Definitive Cooperation and Implementation Agreement with Newfoundland & Labrador Hydro. Hydro-Québec also plans to expand operations in solar power, support self-generation, add new battery storage capacity and modernize the Bécancour generating station to ensure it has the capacity required during peak periods.

A shared ambition

In a world marked by accelerating technological change and competition for strategic resources, it is more essential than ever for Québec to be able to count on its reliable electricity service from renewable resources to support its economic, environmental and social ambitions. The scale of future needs requires intensified efforts and collective mobilization to strengthen Québec’s energy security.

To access all documents: Hydro‑Québec’s Electricity Supply Plan