Hydro-Québec intends to set up a large wind energy complex in the northwest of Lac-Saint-Jean that could generate up to 3,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity. To do this, the Crown corporation agreed last month on the terms of a partnership with the Innu of Mashteuiatsh and the Attikameks of Wemotaci.
Concluded in collaboration with the Quebec government and the MRC du Domaine-du-Roy, the agreement, which was ratified last month, could “represent an investment of around nine billion dollars,” Hydro-Québec stressed in a press release obtained by The duty.
The target area, Chamouchouane, is located in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, not far from the municipality of La Doré and the Ashuapmushuan wildlife reserve. It covers approximately 5,000 km2 and had also been designated by the state-owned company as a sector with high potential for wind power production as part of a call for tenders launched in March 2023. However, no developer had raised their hand to set up there.
While Hydro-Québec estimated Chamouchouane’s electrical potential at 600 MW last year, it now estimates that the area targeted by its new partnership could “accommodate up to 3,000 MW of wind capacity,” which would make the complex in question “one of the largest in North America.”
“The partners will be carrying out initiatives starting next month that will allow for the confirmation of a first project in the area, in particular with the installation of equipment to collect data on wind quality and consultation with the environment,” the state-owned company stated in its press release. Consultations will also be held as the projects progress.
“Historic” agreement
The agreement reached by the various signatories provides that Hydro and its community partners will share investments and potential revenues “equally.” “This partnership represents not only a significant economic development opportunity for our community, but also an important contribution to Quebec’s energy transition,” said Viviane Chilton, Chief of the Atikamekw Council of Wemotaci.
“Our communities must be at the heart of large-scale projects such as this one, particularly with regard to social acceptability,” said the Chief of the Mashteuiatsh First Nation, Gilbert Dominique, while describing the agreement as “historic.”
The Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Pierre Fitzgibbon, for his part welcomed a “further step toward an energy transition that will benefit everyone.” “Together, we will lay the foundations for well-planned and coordinated wind development,” added Hydro-Québec President and CEO Michael Sabia.
By signing this partnership, the state-owned company wishes in particular to accelerate the achievement of the objectives of its Wind Development Strategy, which provides for the addition of 10,000 MW of capacity by 2035.