CanREA commends Hydro-Québec for its plan to incorporate different types of renewables, including wind energy, into its energy mix to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Ottawa, March 24, 2022 —The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is pleased to see that the new Strategic Plan 2022–2026 released today by Hydro-Québec aligns with many of the calls to action in CanREA’s 2050 Vision.
“The announcement that over 100 TWh of additional renewable energy will be generated in Quebec by 2050 provides important long-term predictability for our members, who will be key partners in a successful transition to a low-carbon economy,” says Jean Habel, the Canadian Renewable Energy Association’s Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
CanREA is encouraged by Hydro-Québec’s announcement that Quebec’s renewable energy generation is to be increased by more than 50 per cent by 2050. Not only is this consistent with CanREA’s 2050 Vision, but the use of decarbonized electricity could cut greenhouse gas emissions across the broader Quebec economy.
In its Strategic Plan, Hydro-Québec expresses its intention to achieve the energy transition at the lowest possible cost for Quebec society. Given that wind energy is now the lowest-cost source of new electricity generation in Canada, CanREA is pleased to see Hydro-Québec commit to developing a portfolio of new wind energy projects totalling a minimum of 3,000 MW to account for variable future demand as a first step toward its 2050 objective.
“This announcement is a step in the right direction to achieve 2050 greenhouse-gas-emission targets, and it unequivocally positions Quebec as a leader in renewable-energy generation in Canada over the next few decades,” says Habel.
Achieving the ambitious goal of adding more than 100 TWh of renewable energy by 2050 will require a full range of renewable technologies.
“We are confident that solar energy and energy storage can make up a larger share of Quebec’s energy mix in the years and decades to come,” says Habel.
Lastly, Hydro‑Québec’s new Strategic Plan shows an openness to amending the regulatory framework and optimizing infrastructure, which is also consistent with CanREA’s 2050 Vision.
“CanREA is proud to have contributed to the Strategic Plan 2022–2026, as one of the key stakeholders Hydro-Québec consulted during its development,” says Habel. “The Strategic Plan aligns with many of the calls to action in CanREA’s 2050 Vision. CanREA will continue to emphasize the central role that wind energy, solar energy and energy storage will play in transforming Quebec’s energy mix to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.”
“Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision” advocates for Canada to increase the scale and speed of renewable energy project deployment in order to meet its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Quotes
“The announcement that over 100 TWh of additional renewable energy will be generated in Quebec by 2050 provides important long-term predictability for our members, who will be key partners in a successful transition to a low-carbon economy.”
“We are confident that solar energy and energy storage can make up a larger share of Quebec’s energy mix in the years and decades to come.”
“This announcement is a step in the right direction to achieve 2050 greenhouse-gas-emission targets, and it unequivocally positions Quebec as a leader in renewable-energy generation in Canada over the next few decades.”
“CanREA is proud to have contributed to the Strategic Plan 2022–2026, as one of the key stakeholders Hydro-Québec consulted during its development. The Strategic Plan aligns with many of the calls to action in CanREA’s 2050 Vision. CanREA will continue to emphasize the central role that wind energy, solar energy and energy storage will play in transforming Quebec’s energy mix to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.”
Jean Habel, Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada, Canadian Renewable Energy Association
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For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:
Bridget Wayland
Director of Communications, CanREA
613-227-5378
Communications@renewablesassociation.ca
Mélanie Bourcier
Coordinator, TACT
514-554-2635
mbourcier@tactconseil.ca
About the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (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 stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. Our aim is to ensure wind energy, solar energy and energy storage play a central role in transforming Canada’s energy mix. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter. Become a member. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
