Canada: Energy Policy 2030 - The Quebec wind industry supports the Quebec government’s objectives

The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) welcomes the publication of the Quebec government’s 2030 energy policy by the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Mr. Pierre Arcand. The wind industry wishes to acknowledge the Quebec government’s desire for coherence, its strong commitment to the decarbonization of our economy as well as its goal of increasing total renewable energy production by 25 per cent.

With the cost of the production of electricity at competitive levels compared to any other new energy supply in Quebec, wind energy has all the qualities needed to help Quebec reach its economic development, energy cost control and climate change mitigation objectives. In addition, the industry employs 5,000 people in Quebec and has brought investments of $10 billion in the last decade.

“This policy will send a clear signal that Quebec wants to play a leading role  across the continent,” said CanWEA Vice-President Jean-François Nolet. “Its implementation will be the opportunity to move from words to action and attract investment, including by ensuring that the northeastern U.S. market has access to electricity produced by Quebec wind farms.”

CanWEA is pleased to see the Quebec government taking note of the wind industry’s strong growth on the global scene as well as its willingness to support Quebec businesses and integrate Quebec wind energy into Hydro-Québec’s exports. “With the most developed wind energy supply chain in Canada and the northeastern United States, Quebec’s wind industry is in a good position to meet our continent’s energy challenges,” added Mr. Nolet.

Furthermore, the Quebec government’s commitment to replacing fossil fuels in northern Quebec and in autonomous networks will allow Quebec to develop its expertise and global leadership in this promising market.

Wind energy: the best alternative

In recent months, CanWEA took part in the consultations leading to the adoption of this policy. The Association stressed the importance of providing a predictable framework for the wind industry and of guaranteeing a consistent number of projects on Quebec territory to consolidate the sector’s jobs and investments.

Wind energy is the best way to provide the province with new electricity supplies given its electrification, electricity export and economic development objectives. Hydro-Québec’s available energy is an opportunity for Quebec, and it is essential that we promote rapid development of new projects to meet demand.

Quebec’s wind industry is offering the government its full cooperation for implementing its energy policy. In the coming months, this policy will be translated into action plans. We hope that these plans will be an opportunity for the government to set numerical targets that will encourage investment.