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.

CRHQ Annual Activity Report for 2022 (in french only) [PDF 4.71 MB]

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

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.

Hilo

Hilo’s objective is to act as Québec’s first virtual generating station coordinating its customers’ energy demands in order to make enough energy available to respond to the needs of the power system. This important innovation will help accelerate Québec’s energy transition.

Learn more about Hilo’s products and services

The Electric Circuit

The Electric Circuit is the largest public charging network for electric vehicles in Québec and Eastern Ontario.

Learn more about the Electric Circuit

Dana/TM4 (a 45% shareholding)

Dana TM4 develops the technologies and know-how of Hydro-Québec and IREQ in the field of electric motors. It offers its customers recognized expertise for light-duty, commercial and off-road vehicles.

Learn more about Dana TM4’s products and services

EVLO Energy Storage

EVLO designs, delivers and operates compact energy storage systems for businesses and industries. This technology relies on our safe and eco-efficient battery chemistry. The patented technology is based on research conducted by the Center of Excellence in Transportation Electrification and Energy Storage.

Learn more about EVLO’s products and services

SCE France SAS

SCE France is dedicated to research and technology transfer in the fields of transportation electrification, energy storage and energy conservation.

This subsidiary is the result of an agreement between Hydro-Québec and the Regional Council of Aquitaine on advanced battery materials for transportation electrification.

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.

Partnerships

Our partnership strategy for developing and marketing innovation.
Find out more on our partnership
Research chairs, jobs
and internships

Does our vision for the energy
transition inspire you?
Find out more on Research chairs, jobs and internships

Our innovative strength

Hydro-Québec’s research center (CRHQ): two state-of-the-art campuses

01. Varennes campus

02. Shawinigan campus – energy technologies laboratory (LTE)

Center of Excellence in Transportation Electrification and Energy Storage