Technological Evolution

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The needs and concerns of the public and of society as a whole are evolving. As a result of climate change, all countries must significantly reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Have you heard of IREQ?

IREQ, Hydro‑Québec’s research institute, drives our innovative approach to the energy transition so that we can build the power system of the future.

Duration: 2 minutes 7 seconds

Video transcription, IREQ, the innovation enabler of HQ to build a sustainable energy future in Quebec

Video transcription IREQ, the innovation enabler of HQ to build a sustainable energy future in Quebec

Our technological vision for a successful energy transition

1 Innovation with the public at the center of the energy transition

The transition toward a greener and more efficient power system means proposing value-added products and services while offering a reliable energy supply at competitive prices.

All of our products and services, whether intended for the residential, commercial or industrial sectors, must continue to address citizens’ concerns, meet their goals and fit seamlessly into their lifestyles.

These are just a few examples of what our products and services involve:

  • energy efficiency and simple consumption management through home and building automation
  • transportation electrification
  • addition and integration of solar power
  • battery energy storage and heat storage
  • implementation of microgrids and industrial processes
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2 Innovation to optimize our assets in an evolving environment

We already have a solid basis for a successful energy transition:

  • Over 99% of our energy is natural, clean and renewable thanks to our hydroelectric generating stations.
  • Our vast reservoirs can serve as a battery for power systems in northeastern North America. They can also store energy naturally and release it when needed. This flexibility helps balance electricity generated from intermittent energy sources.
  • We have developed an extensive electricity transmission and distribution system covering the entire territory of Québec, as well as interconnections with neighboring power systems.
  • Our advanced telecommunications system improves our efficiency in equipment operation.

Reasons for continued innovation:

  • To improve our refurbishment and repair methods so we can maintain our infrastructure in good operating condition
  • To integrate predictive equipment maintenance technologies
  • To optimize asset management while taking financial, environmental and reliability risk factors into account
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3 Innovation to create a smart, robust and flexible energy system

Innovation is essential so we can continue to draw full potential from data, calculation tools and remote automation, which will result in an integrated system that is smart and collaborative as well as both dynamic and flexible.

As we innovate, we must reinvent ourselves as well. Our goal is to create a power system that knows the condition of all of its equipment and the needs of each customer in real time, allowing it to manage variations in production and demand. The most appropriate resources would therefore be deployed when needed.

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A VR tour of IREQ

Experience a behind-the-scenes tour of IREQ, the heart of innovation, home to nearly 500 researchers, engineers and technicians who devote themselves to making our energy system more efficient and intelligent.

Discover the 360 experience

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To find out more

Our innovative strength

Hydro-Québec relies on two state-of-the-art research centers

Our passion for innovation

Our employees share their passion for innovation

Our research facilities

Close to 20 testing facilities, laboratories, etc., committed to innovation

50 years of innovation 

Our passion for innovation goes back a long way

News in innovation

Stay up to date with the latest results

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The talented minds behind our innovations

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Partnerships

Our partnership strategy for developing and marketing innovation

Find out more about our strategy

En savoir plus sur notre vision

Research chairs, jobs and internships

Does our vision for the energy transition inspire you?

Find out more about our vision

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