CanREA applauds the Quebec government’s goal of acquiring 300 MW of solar energy.
Montreal, March 26, 2024. – The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) welcomes the Quebec government’s intention to move forward with proposed regulation for a multi-phase solar acquisition in Quebec, as announced today by Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy.
This will be a first for Quebec: This announcement is a breakthrough for the solar industry. Quebec currently only produces 15 megawatts (MW) of solar energy, which is 0.32 per cent of the 4,600 MW already installed in Canada.
“This announcement is a step in the right direction for the solar industry, but solar can do even more to meet the growing needs of Quebecers in coming years,” says Jean Habel, CanREA’s Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
Opportunity to speak up
After publishing this proposal in the Gazette officielle du Québec, the Quebec government will receive feedback about solar energy from stakeholders far and wide during the 45-day consultation period.
CanREA will join those stakeholders in calling on the Quebec government to seize this major opportunity to use solar energy, with or without energy storage, to reduce our collective carbon footprint.
Half of Quebec’s current energy portfolio still relies on energy sources that produce a large amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making solar installations in Quebec a real asset on the road to net-zero. This is why Quebec must act quickly to set up regulatory conditions that encourage the greater use of solar energy.
The federal government plans to roll out a 30% tax credit on capital investment costs in renewable technology like solar until 2034, making now the time to act.
Draft regulation that targets multiple blocks of solar energy
Under the proposed regulation, Hydro-Québec would issue RFPs totalling 300 MW. The first could be launched before the end of 2024.
For many years now, CanREA has been calling on Quebec to set clear procurement targets and solidify the future of all forms of renewable energy in the province.
“CanREA welcomes the predictability that this proposed regulation would provide, but it bears repeating that Quebec would benefit from incorporating even more solar energy in its electricity mix. More rooftop solar and optimized solar sites would produce better economy of scale and improve the overall outlook for solar in Quebec,” adds Habel.
Consult the draft regulation here. (in French only)
Quotes
“This announcement is a step in the right direction for the solar industry, but solar can do even more to meet the growing needs of Quebecers in coming years.”
“CanREA welcomes the predictability that this proposed regulation would provide, but it bears repeating that Quebec would benefit from incorporating even more solar energy in its electricity mix. More rooftop solar and optimized solar sites would produce better economy of scale and improve the overall outlook for solar in Quebec.”
— Jean Habel, Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
For media inquiries and interview opportunities, please contact:
Communications
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
(613) 805-4465
communications@renewablesassociation.ca
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 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. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
