Transmitting the Energy of Our Goals
Climate change is an undeniable reality. Around the world, the energy transition is in full swing in many places around the world. In Québec, although progress has been made, close to half of the energy consumed today comes from fossil sources. To reverse this trend, the Québec government has adopted an ambitious plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. To decarbonize the economy and meet the rising demand for electricity, which is expected to have doubled by then, we must make substantial efforts to not only save electricity but also to generate more clean and renewable energy.
To transmit this additional energy load, Hydro-Québec plans to develop and strengthen its main transmission system by adding new substations and high-voltage lines in three key areas.
The biggest power transmission project in recent decades
Key facts
- This project will require an extensive consultation and the mobilization of stakeholders, including First Nations communities, in keeping with the principles of sustainable development.
- It represents over $10 billion in investments and economic spinoffs in Québec of over $7 billion.
- It will result in the creation of thousands of jobs over a 10‑year period.
- It involves the construction of approximately 850 km of high‑voltage transmission lines (around 1,600 towers) and 5 strategic substations.
The power transmission system is a key element of Québec’s energy infrastructure. It consists of 34,000 km of high‑voltage lines, a third of which are at a very high‑voltage (735 kV), and 539 substations at voltages ranging from 44 to 735 kV.
Introducing the 735‑kV systemStrengthening the main transmission system
Listen to Steve Blackburn, Manager – Power System Design and Development, and Hélène Perrault, Manager – Projects, explain why upgrading the main transmission system is so important and how our teams will ensure that the projects with the least impact are selected and carried out in cooperation with the communities affected.
5-minute 20 seconds video [in French only]
One project, three areas
This ambitious project involves major work on the main transmission system in three priority areas.
Please take a moment to share your opinion.
Help us better understand what’s important to you! Join the discussion by completing our survey.
10 to 15 minutes
Information and consultation process
We launch a public participation process for all new transmission line and substation projects. This lets us take your expectations and concerns into account so that we may adapt our projects to local realities to the greatest degree possible.
In the coming months, you’ll have a chance to share your concerns with us.
Our teams are more motivated than ever to work closely with you as we develop this major project that will have such far‑reaching benefits for all of Québec.
Documentation
Why generate more electricity?
Decarbonizing Québec’s economy and meeting the projected demand in electricity by 2050 will require producing an additional 150 to 200 TWh of clean, renewable energy, which is double our current consumption, or the equivalent of the energy used by 8 to 12 million households.
Fully 75% of this clean energy will be used to replace polluting energy sources.
Legend
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40% Transportation and building electrification
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35% Industrial process conversion
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25% Economic growth
Let’s work together to lower our electricity consumption!
Each kilowatthour saved is one less kilowatthour we have to produce. Becoming more energy wise involves performing simple actions, developing good habits and taking advantage of the financial assistance available. See how our tips, tools and offers can help lower your bill.