The energy transition
The energy transition, by and for Quebecers
We’re putting all our energy behind it!
Replacing fossil fuels by 2050 calls for an ambitious strategy—an action plan that will enable us to generate even more clean electricity as we rethink how best to use it.
The Action Plan 2035 – Towards a Decarbonized and Prosperous Québec
We’ve launched an new plan to help us meet the challenges of the energy transition. Discover the priorities that will guide us in the coming years—and keep the dialog going with us.
Discover the planWhat is the energy transition?
The term “energy transition” refers to the full set of measures taken to Québec and curtail global warming. The challenge, which is considerable, involves gradually replacing polluting energy sources like oil and coal with clean and renewable energy sources like hydroelectricity, wind or solar. Electricity has never been more precious.
So long, fossil fuels!
Over half the energy used in Québec comes from fossil fuels. To free ourselves from this dependency and reduce the responsible for climate change, we will need to produce more clean electricity while using it wisely.
Using our electricity to decarbonize Québec
To further electrify transportation or business-related activities, for example, we’ll need to quickly increase the amount of clean electricity we generate and using it more wisely, since our current won’t be able to meet the growing demand.
The energy and economic transition
By investing in clean electricity, we’re building a sustainable economy that creates new jobs. We’re also creating the conditions needed to secure access to affordable electricity. At the end of the day, the transition benefits every Quebecer.
Clean electricity exports: A definite advantage
Exporting electricity helps generate foreseeable income in addition to helping our neighbors reduce their GHG emissions. The new export lines will also make it possible to import clean electricity during winter consumption peaks.
Between 150 and 200 additional TWh—that’s the amount of electricity Québec will need for its energy transition to succeed. That’s almost two times our current capacity. To get there, we’ll need to generate more clean electricity while using it wisely.
The energy transition: A major collective effort
A successful energy transition also means changing how we use our electricity. By optimizing our energy use in our homes and businesses, we can meet more than 10% of Québec’s new energy needs. Not only will this limit the number of new projects needed, but it will also make full use of the energy currently generated.
Doing your share and saving
On the home front, every action counts. Tools like Hilo and dynamic pricing make it easy to use less energy (and lower your bill!) without sacrificing comfort.
See our solutionsCompanies are moving into action
In 2022, our tailored solutions generated big energy savings for hundreds of companies—savings amounting to the energy it would take to supply 23,000 homes for an entire year!
Making the most of technology
Our expertise keeps us at the fore of innovation, enabling us to develop groundbreaking projects like our smart grid that minimizes energy waste.
The energy transition
as explained by Martin St-Louis [Video in french]
Energy efficiency alone won’t be enough. We also need to generate more clean electricity.
Let’s take on the energy transition challenge together.
As a world leader in renewable energy and the largest producer of hydroelectricity in North America, Hydro‑Québec is a key player in the energy transition. To generate greater quantities of clean electricity, we are modernizing our existing hydropower stations to increase their output. We’re also hastening to implement new projects, working closely with local communities.
Combined with our energy efficiency and peak demand management efforts, our future our major projects will be supplied by an energy mix that includes:
Wind power
New wind farms will take advantage of the energy generated by the wind. As an intermittent renewable, this generating option is a good complement for hydroelectricity.
Solar power
More solar parks and panels will transform sunlight into a truly clean energy source that, although intermittent in nature, although intermittent in nature, can complement our other methods of electricity generation.
Hydroelectricity
Electricity generated by the power of water is an energy that is renewable, reliable and consistent. Optimizing the output of our existing generating stations, innovating with new technologies like pumped-storage facilities, and building new facilities will be essential.
FAQ
No, Hydro‑Québec will not run out of electricity. However, the increase in demand for clean electricity brought about by the energy transition is pushing us to increase our output significantly by 2050 so that we can stay abreast of growing needs. Large wind projects are already in the planning stages, as we intend to triple Québec’s wind capacity by 2035.
Because it takes both. The fact is, generation alone will not be enough to meet the rising electricity demand, so it’s essential to also use energy wisely and responsibly. We know this works, because our energy efficiency efforts have already borne fruit, surpassing our 2020–2022 objectives by more than 20%. In the long run, the actions that each of us take to become more energy wise will free up as much as 21 TWh of clean electricity by 2035, in addition to the 13 TWh already saved since 2003.
The electricity we export generates essential income for Québec while allowing us to maintain the necessary degree of flexibility during winter peaks. Thanks to well-chosen contracts, we can balance our own production with the energy surpluses of our neighbors to the south, particularly in terms of wind and solar power.
What’s more, the new interconnection line being built with New England will promote two-way trade in the long term. Our reservoirs can store enough clean electricity to achieve our own net zero emissions targets as well as help our neighbors achieve theirs.
Using electricity wisely is crucial to supporting the energy transition, which entails electrifying every sector of the economy. According to our estimates, one-third of the additional clean electricity needed will be put toward powering electric vehicles (EVs), whose use is on the rise. The technology is evolving rapidly, so this challenge has the potential to turn into an opportunity, particularly if EVs can become energy reservoirs that can help us manage peak consumption and ensure resilience during service interruptions.
Yes, and not just that. Businesses in every industry have access to a range of energy efficiency tools—the Efficient Solutions Program and our rate options are two examples—that help them reduce both their GHG emissions and their electricity bills. What’s more, certain offers like dynamic pricing and Hilo are aimed at both businesses and residential customers.