Call for tenders for 1,500 MW of wind power - Integration potential into Hydro-Québec’s grid for commissioning in 2027, 2028 and 2029

In light of the call for tenders for 1,500 MW of electricity generated from wind power to be launched by the end of March, Hydro-Québec would like to share the results of its system analysis in order to guide wind farms toward areas where commissioning in 2027, 2028 and 2029 will be technically possible.

This analysis follows the development of a new strategy—announced in December 2022—to ensure that Québec’s wind energy resources are developed to their full potential. According to Hydro-Québec’s recent forecasts, electricity demand in Québec will grow by 25 terawatthours (TWh) over the next 10 years. Electricity generation must therefore increase significantly, in large part through the development of additional wind resources by 2030.

This situation highlights the importance of coordinating the construction of wind farms in areas where Hydro-Québec can connect them to its transmission grid faster and at a reasonable cost. The areas in which wind power integration is achievable by the target dates can be defined based on the studies conducted to date.

Call for tenders for 1,500 MW generated from wind power

The projects submitted under Hydro-Québec’s upcoming call for tenders must be carried out within the areas identified on the following map so that they can be connected between December 1, 2027, and December 1, 2029, in accordance with the Québec government Order in Council.

The bids submitted under this call for tenders must provide solutions to meeting long-term procurement needs as cost effectively as possible, while promoting socioeconomic spinoffs in host environments and minimizing impacts on agricultural land. Hydro-Québec has prepared the following document in this regard: Terms of Reference for the Siting of Wind Farms on Farmland and in Woodlands.