Connecting Îles-de-la-Madeleine to the transmission system
March 29, 2023
As part of the review of its decarbonization strategy for the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Hydro-Québec is indefinitely suspending the project to connect the region to the main grid by underwater cables.
Due to the current economic situation, the anticipated project costs have increased significantly. In addition, with the global energy transition well underway, suppliers are unable to meet demand, making it difficult to obtain critical equipment. In accordance with the objective to continue to decarbonize the Îles-de-la-Madeleine region, Hydro-Québec will develop other scenarios in close collaboration with the community.
Hydro-Québec would therefore like to inform participants in the Efficient Energy Use Program that the conversion of fuel-fired heating systems to electric systems is also suspended indefinitely.
Project overview
An essential transition for Îles-de-la-Madeleine
The Îles-de-la-Madeleine are currently supplied with electricity produced by a thermal generating station that consumes around 40 million litres of fuel oil every year. This dependence on a fossil-based energy source is what motivated Hydro-Québec to establish a new model based on energy efficiency and renewable energies—in short, an energy transition.
The Îles-de-la-Madeleine’s energy transition will involve several projects, the cornerstone of which is the connection of the archipelago to the main transmission system. This will ensure a sustainable and increased electricity supply.
About the connection project:
- It is the most popular solution, with the support of 76% of the population.
- It will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 94.5% compared to the current situation.
- It will reduce costs to supply electricity to the Îles-de-la-Madeleine and guarantee reliable service.
Find out more!
Key milestones in the energy transition project
2017
Hydro‑Québec thermal plant to meet the energy needs of the integrated health and social services centre (CISSS) (resulting in 1,555 fewer tonnes of GHG emissions every year).
2018
Announcement of the connection of Îles‑de‑la‑Madeleine to Hydro‑Québec’s main power system through Gaspésie.
December 2020
Commissioning of the Parc éolien Dune-du-Nord wind farm, which adds 6 MW of clean energy to the local Hydro-Québec grid, make it possible to save 7 million litres of fuel oil and avoid the emission of 22,000 tons of CO2 equivalent, what would be produced by about 4,800 cars.
2020–2021
Comparative analysis of electricity supply options for the archipelago in order to determine the best solution from an environmental, social and economic standpoint, and for reliability.
Planning for 2023
In partnership with the Municipalité des Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Hydro-Québec will also be developing a microgrid that uses other renewable energy sources, energy storage units and tools to manage buildings’ energy use.
Planning for 2027
- Connection of Îles-de-la-Madeleine to the Hydro-Québec grid and a 94.5% reduction in GHG emissions.
- The thermal power plant will be maintained to serve as a backup and to manage peaks in demand.
Send us your questions and comments
Hydro-Québec is committed to working with the community on the Îles-de-la-Madeleine energy transition project.
Let’s talk!
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