Our innovative strength

Innovation is deeply ingrained in Hydro-Québec. It drives ambitious projects within the organization’s business units and as part of its main activities (generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, as well as construction).

Hydro-Québec also relies on its research facilities to stimulate innovation, promote synergy and remain at the leading edge of technology.

Scientists, technicians and engineers are among the 500 experts from a variety of specialties who pool their expertise in support of Hydro-Québec’s business units in all aspects of their activities, from electricity generation to consumption.

Varennes campus

01. Varennes campus

Researchers at the Varennes campus pave the way to knowledge acquisition and the development of technological solutions for critical elements in the short, medium and long term. Their objective is to improve Hydro-Québec’s performance by optimizing the use of new and existing products and services on the market.

Centre de recherche d’Hydro-Québec (CRHQ)
Varenne campus
1800, boul. Lionel-Boulet
Varennes (Québec) J3X 1S1
Canada
Phone: 450 652-8011
Getting there

Shawinigan campus

02. Shawinigan campus – energy technologies laboratory (LTE)

The researchers and technical staff at the LTE carry out projects aimed at optimizing energy use in homes, institutions, businesses and industrial firms.

LTE’s leading-edge facilities and equipment are also used to conduct tests and trials to develop new technologies and assess the performance of promising energy-efficient options. Examples of LTE’s projects include electronic thermostats, home automation, geothermal technology and heat pumps.

Centre de recherche d’Hydro-Québec (CRHQ)
Shawinigan campus – Laboratoire des technologies de l’énergie (LTE)
600, avenue de la Montagne
Shawinigan (Québec) G9N 7N5
Canada
Phone: 819 539-1400
Getting there

The development of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids depends on the production of efficient and affordable batteries. The Center of Excellence focuses its efforts on developing efficient, cost-effective technologies that will increase the capacity of batteries without compromising their safety.

With the energy transition, power grids will rely more heavily on batteries. Our electrical-systems experts are working on technological solutions that are among the most advanced in the world to meet energy-storage needs on large and small scales.

Learn more about the Center of Excellence in Transportation Electrification and Energy Storage

Hydro-Québec’s innovative subsidiaries

Hydro-Québec’s breakthroughs in R&D have given rise to the creation of several subsidiaries. They actively help support the energy transition by developing value-added products and services for customers.

The talented minds behind our innovations

To generate innovative and promising ideas, IREQ has brought together an extensive network of partners, university students and experienced collaborators.