Hydro-Québec CEO Warns of Landscape Changes Due to Energy Transition
Claudine Bouchard, the CEO of Hydro-Québec, recently shared insights on the impacts of the ongoing energy transition, particularly highlighting how it will affect our landscapes. During a speech in Montreal, she addressed a crowd of around 900 business leaders at an event organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, where she discussed the shift from fossil fuel investments to renewable energy sources.
As the demand for clean energy grows, Bouchard warned that the increase in electricity production will bring about significant changes to the environment. She stated, "There will be more wind turbines, more pylons, and more transmission lines." This shift towards decarbonization, while crucial, will inevitably alter the landscape we are accustomed to. The provincial government has already taken steps in this direction, with Premier François Legault announcing a new wind power project in Eastern Quebec expected to produce up to 1,500 megawatts of electricity. The project, according to Legault, has garnered "social acceptability" — a key factor in its development.
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Hydro-Québec itself plans to invest a substantial $200 billion by 2035, with part of this investment allocated towards increasing wind power production. Despite the volatile economic context, Bouchard believes that the move towards electrification is inevitable. "The world is electrifying, no matter what is said at the White House," she remarked, emphasizing the global trend toward renewable energy.
Alongside expanding energy production, Bouchard also stressed the importance of improving energy efficiency. She suggested that businesses could reduce their energy bills by up to 20% simply by using energy more efficiently. This focus on better consumption habits will be essential in meeting the increasing energy demands while minimizing environmental impact.
However, one aspect of Hydro-Québec's future remains uncertain. The agreement between Hydro-Québec and the province of Newfoundland and Labrador regarding hydroelectric production is now in question, following the election of a new Premier, Tony Wakeham. His government has indicated they will review the deal, and it could potentially be subject to a referendum. Bouchard, however, maintains that it is a commercial agreement between two electric companies, and the discussions continue as they work towards a final deal.
Lastly, Bouchard addressed the issue of workforce transitions, particularly in light of the expected job losses in the forestry sector, which could amount to 30,000 jobs. She acknowledged that shifting workers from forestry to energy sectors, including Hydro-Québec, is a challenge but one that is being actively managed. Hydro-Québec is collaborating with the Commission de la Construction du Québec to support workers transitioning into the energy field. Additionally, a $250 million investment over five years has been earmarked to train the workforce needed for the energy transition.
As Hydro-Québec moves forward with its ambitious plans, the CEO is clear: while the energy transition promises a greener future, it will also require adaptation from both the environment and the workforce.
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