Quebec wind energy set to meet Massachusetts’s renewable energy needs

The Canadian Wind Energy Association is delighted by Quebec’s wind energy project submissions in response to a Massachusetts call for tenders

Montréal, July 27, 2017 – The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) commended Boralex, Gaz Métro and Hydro-Québec for their submission of a proposal today in response to a call for tenders issued by Massachusetts utilities in an effort to supply the state with an additional 9.45 TWh of clean energy by 2022. The proposal outlines a project to build a new wind energy production facility in Seigneurie de Beaupré, with more Quebec wind energy projects expected to be added to the list of proposals submitted to Massachusetts electricity systems operators.

The submission of these projects serves to further demonstrate the maturity and affordability of wind energy—a Class 1 Clean Energy source that is slated to play a major role in the state’s energy transition. Wind energy allows hydroelectricity producers to improve their offering by granting them access to Class I Renewable Energy Credits. Given Quebec’s excellent wind resource and the willingness of dozens of its communities to host wind farms, incorporating wind energy into electricity transmission projects has come to be a cost-effective solution.

“Developing these projects required major investments from participating firms,” said CanWEA vice-president Jean-François Nolet, “which goes to show how seriously the process is being taken. If any of these projects are contracted, Quebec and host communities would see major benefits.”

CanWEA extends its sincere congratulations to participating wind energy developers—wishing them all the best in the next phase of the process—and acknowledges the close cooperation of Hydro-Québec and other partners. CanWEA applauds the Quebec government for making wind energy exports an objective in its 2030 energy policy and adjusting its regulatory framework in time to meet Massachusetts project deadlines.

The projects will now undergo evaluation, which will continue until January 2018.

About the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA)

CanWEA is the voice of Canada’s wind energy industry, actively promoting the responsible and sustainable growth of wind energy. A national non-profit association, CanWEA serves as Canada’s leading source of credible information on wind energy and its social, economic and environmental benefits. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. For more information, visit www.canwea.ca.

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For information and interviews:

Lejla Latifovic, Senior Communications Advisor
Canadian Wind Energy Association
613-234-8716 x 241 or 1-800-922-6932 x 241
lejlalatifovic@canwea.ca