Quebec made major news in the wind power world with its announcement last week of intentions to boost wind’s share of provincial electricity. Hydro Quebec struck 15 deals for a combined total of 2,004 megawatts of power, for projects scheduled to come online in stages, between 2011 and 2015. Two companies of note are Boralex and Gaz Metro, which are leading a consortium of firms involved in about 300 megawatts worth of the construction. Major German manufacturing company Enercon is involved, and has stated it plans to build a components plant in Quebec to supply the new demand. Renewable energy career options abound!
Hydro Quebec is keen to use the Big Hydro/Big Wind synergy, a winning combo that will improve the effectiveness of adding wind to its grid, by twinning it with the capacity stored behind its dams. When the wind blows, conserve water, when it slacks open the taps. Click here for a pdf map of the contracted sites.
