Hydro-Quebec signs partnership to develop 3000 MW of wind power capacity [Video]

One month after launching its strategy to accelerate wind power development, Hydro-Quebec has announced a partnership with two Indigenous communities and a regional municipality to develop various projects across a vast territory in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region.

Wednesday, the Crown corporation said it is joining forces with the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation, the Wemotaci Atikamekw and the MRC Domaine-du-Roy to develop the 5,000 km2 Chamouchouane zone.

The area could host up to 3,000 megawatts (MW) of wind power capacity and several wind farms with investments totalling $9 billion.

Work is slated to start in August to confirm an initial project, including installing equipment to collect wind quality data.

The partnership, which was ratified in mid-June by a decree from the Quebec government, was described as a “win-win” for all signatories.

By becoming shareholders in the projects, the Indigenous communities and the MRC could benefit from independent revenues.

They are also expected to …