CanREA welcomes Hydro-Québec’s plan to develop 3,000 MW of solar power by 2035.
Montreal, May 6, 2025– the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) applauds Hydro-Québec’s commitment to purchase 3000 MW of solar power by 2035, starting with the launch of a 300 MW RFP, as announced today by Hydro-Québec’s CEO, Michael Sabia. This is an important first for Quebec.
“This announcement is a huge step forward for the solar industry in Quebec. We are very pleased to see Hydro-Québec pursuing the deployment of solar energy,” said Jean Habel, CanREA’s Senior Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
The deployment of solar will be an asset for Quebec’s energy transition, given that high greenhouse-gas-emitting sources still account for half of Quebec’s energy portfolio.
Quebec diversifies its energy mix with solar power
Hydro-Québec’s solar energy plan, “Le solaire : une autre étape vers la diversification énergétique – Une approche évolutive pour une ambition de 3 000 MW d’énergie solaire au Québec” (in French only) represents a breakthrough for the solar sector in Quebec, which currently produces 17 MW of solar energy, just 0.31% of the 5,400 MW already installed across Canada.
“Every kilowatt of renewable energy contributes to achieving our climate goals. Hydro-Quebec’s solar plan proposes to take several actions simultaneously. Diversifying Quebec’s energy mix will help accelerate its energy transition,” said Habel.
A three-stage solar deployment
Quebec’s new solar plan will proceed in three phases: a new call for tenders for grid-connected solar farms, the potential development of larger projects, and new support for residential and commercial BTM solar.
“CanREA appreciates the predictability of Quebec’s solar plan, with a pathway that looks ahead to 2035. We expect to see new solar farms of various sizes, built in collaboration with developers, local communities and Indigenous communities, as well as the installation of solar panels on homes and businesses, for those who wish to produce their own power,” added Habel.
CanREA has long advocated for clear procurement targets that provide more long-term certainty for the renewable industry in Quebec, and for measures that encourage the deployment of decentralized energy resources, such as net metering.
Fewer than 1,000 households currently use net metering in Quebec. In order to achieve Hydro-Québec’s goal of the equivalent of 125,000 customers by 2035, CanREA recommends that the threshold be raised to 1 MW, as it is in Nova Scotia.
CanREA also recommends that a subsidy be implemented by 2026 for the installation of solar panels on homes and businesses. This will significantly boost interest in BTM solar, as noted in the Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors report, “BTM Solar: Canadian Market Outlook,” which highlights the importance of onsite solar to Canada’s energy future, and the importance of financial incentives to encourage customer buy-in.
What’s more, businesses can now get a 30% federal tax credit on the capital cost of their investment in renewable technologies, such as solar energy, until 2034.
To learn more about the energy transition in Quebec, look no further than the second edition of the CanREA Quebec Net-Zero Summit, on May 15, 2025, in Montreal. More information is available here.
Quotes
“This announcement is a huge step forward for the solar industry in Quebec. We are very pleased to see Hydro-Québec pursuing the deployment of solar as an energy source.”
“Every kilowatt of renewable energy contributes to achieving our climate goals. Hydro-Quebec’s solar plan proposes to take several actions simultaneously. Diversifying Quebec’s energy mix will help accelerate its energy transition.”
“CanREA appreciates the predictability of Quebec’s solar plan, with a pathway that looks ahead to 2035. We expect to see new solar farms of various sizes, built in collaboration with developers, local communities and Indigenous communities, as well as the installation of solar panels on homes and businesses, for those who wish to produce their own power.”
—Jean Habel, Senior Director, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) —Jean Habel, Senior Director, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) ‘
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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 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 Bluesky and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.