Montréal, May 21, 2026—The third edition of Renewable Energy Quebec, the Canadian Renewable Energy Association’s flagship Quebec summit, was a major success in Montréal today, drawing more than 300 attendees.
“Quebec is entering a decisive new chapter in its energy history, one defined by growing demand, unprecedented procurement ambitions and the need to build quickly and inclusively,” said Jean Habel, Senior Director of Policy for Quebec and Atlantic Canada at CanREA. “Renewable Energy Quebec gave our industry, policymakers and Indigenous partners the space to have the frank, strategic conversations that will move us from ambition to action.”
The day’s discussions unfolded against a significant backdrop: the upcoming publication of the provincial government’s Plan de gestion intégrée des ressources énergétiques (integrated energy resource management plan) and Hydro-Québec’s recent Action Plan 2035, which together will chart an ambitious course for large-scale wind and solar deployment across Quebec. Renewable Energy Quebec offered a forum for the candid examination of what it will actually take to deliver on those commitments—from capital formation and procurement design to labour markets, supply chains and social acceptance.
The event opened with a keynote address by Jimmy Jean, Chief Economist and Strategist at Desjardins Group, who offered an incisive look at Quebec’s macroeconomic outlook, investment climate and the signals shaping strategic decision making in Canada’s renewable energy sector.
The morning’s opening panel, “Wind: A new era for energy in Quebec,” brought together developers and Indigenous and municipal partners to examine Hydro-Québec’s plans to open new wind development zones and the collaboration models that will determine whether those zones become projects.
Two concurrent afternoon sessions deepened the conversation. The financing panel, “Financing the energy transition: How to mobilize investments in the coming decades,” focused on the capital structures, contract frameworks and incentive tools that will underpin Quebec’s renewable build-out. Meanwhile, the supply chain and labour panel, “Stimulating the local economy through successful strategic investments,” examined how the industry is adapting to skilled labour constraints and supply chain pressures while maximizing regional economic benefits.
Political participation underscored the summit’s relevance within Quebec’s and Canada’s political landscape. Talks on accelerating the deployment of clean energy in Quebec were delivered by Pascale Déry, Quebec’s Minister of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks; Carlos Leitão, Parliamentary Secretary to Canada’s Minister of Industry; Claude Guay, Parliamentary Secretary to Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources; and Gregory Kelley of the Quebec Liberal Party, who serves as the Official Opposition critic for energy and natural resources.
The day closed with two concurrent sessions examining the practical realities of project deployment. “Rolling out renewable projects in Quebec: A challenge worthy of our shared goals” featured a lively discussion of the environmental, social and regulatory requirements shaping project timelines. “Energy demand: The common denominator across different sectors of our economy” examined how electrification across industry, transportation and buildings is reshaping Quebec’s energy needs and the renewable capacity required to meet them.
The formal program was followed by a networking reception that provided attendees with an opportunity to deepen relationships and advance the project conversations that are central to Quebec’s clean electricity future.
“The scale of what Quebec is undertaking—more than 150 additional terawatt-hours of clean electricity in 25 years—demands exactly this kind of broad, honest, action-oriented dialogue,” said Habel. “The conversations held at Renewable Energy Quebec will help shape the decisions that determine whether Quebec’s ambitions become a reality.”
CanREA also officially launched the second edition of its annual CanREA Awards at Renewable Energy Quebec. The Awards honour achievements and innovation in the Canadian renewable energy industry. This year, a new award named after CanREA’s first CEO, Robert Hornung, recognizes an individual who has made a sustained and meaningful contribution to advancing Canada’s clean energy sector. The nomination period ends on June 30, and the winners will be announced at CanREA’s Electricity Transformation Canada conference in Toronto on October 19.
CanREA would like to thank all the speakers, panellists and moderators who contributed their expertise to this year’s Renewable Energy Quebec program. It extends special thanks to presenting sponsor Desjardins Group; Platinum sponsor EDF power solutions; and Gold sponsors Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors, Nordex and Vestas.
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A photo album is available here. Media can contact CanREA for high-resolution photos.
Quotes
“Quebec is entering a decisive new chapter in its energy history, one defined by growing demand, unprecedented procurement ambitions and the need to build quickly and inclusively. Renewable Energy Quebec gave our industry, policymakers and Indigenous partners the space to have the frank, strategic conversations that will move us from ambition to action.”
“The scale of what Quebec is undertaking—more than 150 additional terawatt-hours of clean electricity in 25 years—demands exactly this kind of broad, honest, action-oriented dialogue. The conversations held at Renewable Energy Quebec will help shape the decisions that determine whether Quebec’s ambitions become a reality.”
—Jean Habel, Senior Director of Policy for Quebec and Atlantic Canada, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
“The energy transition is essential for the environment, but it also represents a strategic opportunity for the Quebec economy. Renewable Energy Quebec is an important forum because it brings engaged stakeholders to the table to discuss a shared energy future. At Desjardins, we believe that future has to be built through collaboration. When we sit down with governments, communities and Indigenous groups, we know it leads to frank discussions about real infrastructure needs and to innovation that strengthens energy resilience, promotes social acceptability and generates lasting benefits for communities.”
—Mathieu Talbot, Vice-President, Corporate and Institutional Banking Division, Desjardins Group
“A sustained, coordinated effort across the renewable energy ecosystem is essential to achieve Québec’s energy transition and meet our climate ambitions. On behalf of EDF power solutions and our entire team, I am proud to contribute to this constructive dialogue among industry, communities and decision makers through a forum such as Renewable Energy Québec.”
—Stephane Desdunes, Vice-President, Development, Canada and U.S. Northeast, EDF power solutions
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Canadian Renewable Energy Association
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About CanREA
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how wind energy, solar energy and energy storage can decarbonize and modernize Canada’s electricity systems quickly and affordably, follow us on LinkedIn and visit renewablesassociation.ca.