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Hydro-Québec’s Action Plan 2035 calls for up to 4.2 GW of hydropower and pumped storage

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Hydro-Québec’s Action Plan 2035 calls for up to 4.2 GW of hydropower and pumped storage
(photo courtesy Hydro-Quebec)

Hydro-Québec recently released its Action Plan 2035 – Towards a Decarbonized and Prosperous Québec, which will make it possible to reduce greenhouse gases, meet expected growth in electricity demand and offer customers reliable, simple and affordable service.

“Climate change is intensifying and we must take action. Québec’s clean electricity will be the driving force of the energy transition, which will require a collective effort. In the coming years, our Action Plan 2035 will guide us towards the attainment of our goals: to replace fossil fuels by clean electricity, create sustainable prosperity and place customers at the heart of our decisions,” said Michael Sabia, Hydro-Québec’s president and chief executive officer.

Hydro-Québec estimates it will need an additional 150 to 200 TWh to meet electricity demand in Québec by 2050. That’s double the electricity consumed today. To handle this growth, the utility will need an additional 60 TWh by 2035, which means adding 8,000 MW to 9,000 MW of capacity. Of this increase, 75% will be used to decarbonize Quebecers’ consumption, while 25% will be used to support economic growth, particularly in industrial sectors involved in the energy transition.

Hydro-Québec plans to triple wind power generation by integrating more than 10,000 MW into the grid by 2035. In addition, 3,800 MW to 4,200 MW of new hydropower generation will be added by increasing the capacity of existing generating stations and developing new hydropower facilities, including a pumped-storage facility. The energy mix will also include solar energy and battery storage, and the utility said it will consider other technologies currently under development around the world.

To ensure the reliability of the electric grid, Hydro-Québec will significantly increase investments, which will total from $45 to $50 billion by 2035. The utility will first work to stabilize the situation regarding power outages and then reduce their frequency by 35% over the next seven to 10 years. They will step up vegetation control work; adopt innovative practices like the direct, or “light,” burial of power lines; and roll out new equipment, such as composite poles.

Hydro-Québec said electricity rates will remain affordable. Residential rates will be limited to inflation, up to a ceiling of 3%, while commercial and industrial rates will remain competitive.

Hydro-Québec will work in collaboration with the Québec government toward economic reconciliation with First Nations and Inuit. The dialogue will be based on three principles: establish partnerships with Indigenous communities, simplify their access to financing, and jointly define the terms of the projects the utility will carry out with them.

Hydro-Québec generates, transmits and distributes electricity. It is Canada’s largest electricity producer and one of the largest hydroelectric producers in the world, sourcing most of its electricity supply from hydroelectric generating stations. Its sole shareholder is the Quebec government.