At this stage of the project, it is too early to determine schedules and work methods. However, we will endeavor to tailor them to the concerns of the community and users.
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.
The solution of choice
Connecting the islands by means of undersea cables
Hydro-Québec plans to install a link consisting of two subsea cables extending approximately 225 km to connect the archipelago to Gaspésie between Cap-aux-Meules substation and Percé substation, in Val-d’Espoir. Commissioning is planned for 2027.
The project also includes the construction of two underground transmission lines between the subsea cables and existing systems :
- A line extending nearly 7.3 km between the coast and Percé substation.
- A line extending 5.7 km between the coast and Cap-aux-Meules substation.
- Cable voltage will be 160 kV.
The project also involves the addition of two converter substations to convert alternating current to direct current
and transmit the energy over long distances.
- A converter at Percé substation will convert alternating current to direct current.
- A converter at Cap-aux-Meules substation will convert the direct current back into alternating current.
Video: Making the islands even greener
The planned line route
- In Gaspésie, the landing zone [PDF 453 KB] will be at Anse-à-Beaufils. The underground line [PDF 748 KB] will follow the right-of-way of Route Lemieux to connect to Percé substation, in the municipality of Percé.
- In Îles-de-la-Madeleine, the chosen landing zone [PDF 530 KB] is in the area of La Belle Anse. The underground line [PDF 1 MB] will follow secondary roads to connect to Cap-aux-Meules substation, in the village of Cap-aux-Meules.
Hydro-Québec is in the process of determining exactly where drilling will begin on both sides.
Technical description of the project
Key project stages
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Info-Project – Connecting Îles-de-la-Madeleine to the transmission system
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