Hydro Québec
Launch site
Off-Grid Network
Mission:
To design the off-grid energy network of the future, ensuring a sustainable and reliable electricity supply.
To progressively increase the share of renewable energy across the 21 off-grid networks, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, while empowering the 19 communities to achieve greater economic self-sufficiency.
To oversee daily operations, maintenance, and the execution of construction and infrastructure projects.
Organization:
Overall, about 230 employees are dedicated to plan, operate, maintain and manage all aspects of energy supply in HQ off-grid networks.
All the employees are focusing on 4 strategics axes:
- Planification and strategic vision
- Focused on long-term integrated strategies and the transition to renewable energy
- Technical support and standardization
- Ensures technical analysis and regulatory compliance to support operations and maintenance
- Operation and maintenance
- Manages daily operations, customer service, and maintenance.
- Project management
- Oversees project execution, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.
Off-Grid Network Overview:
- 5 territories
- 19 communities –representing 5 Indigenous nations
- 18 900 customers (40 % located in Nunavik)
- 168,5 MW of installed capacity
- 21 off-grid networks
- 21 diesel-powered thermal power plants
- 1 heavy fuel oil thermal power plant
- 1 Hydroelectric power plant + 2 Hydroelectric power plants from Independent Power Producer
- 1 wind farm from Independent Power Producer + 4 new wind farms under development
- 10 distribution substations
- 272 km of transmission lines
- 842 km of distribution lines
Strategic Planning and Major Projects:
Most off-grid facilities were built around or before the 1980s, presenting challenges in reliability and sustainability. Since 2018, maintaining infrastructure sustainability has been a top priority, with over 70% of off-grid projects focused on this goal.
Meeting growing energy demand is the second priority, accounting for approximately 20% of planned projects through 2040.
Hydro-Québec is also committed to reducing the environmental footprint of off-grid networks through the adoption of new technologies and partnerships with private entities.
