Hydro-Québec launched a call for tenders on March 31, 2023. Following this call, the company has chosen 8 bids from 5 developers for a total contract capacity of 1,550MW. All projects will be developed in partnership with the local community, and 6 will be realised in collaboration with Indigenous communities.
The average supply cost indicated in the winning bids is 7.8¢/kWh (2023 dollars), excluding transmission and balancing. Over the coming weeks, Hydro-Québec will finalize its power purchase agreements with project proponents. After this stage, the contracts will undergo approval by the Régie de l’énergie.
The selected proponents are responsible for obtaining all required approvals and permits before commencing the construction of the facilities. Electricity deliveries must commence between December 1, 2027, and December 1, 2029, depending on the bid. The winners of the bids are Boralex Développement Canada, Pattern Renewable Holdings Canada, Kruger Énergie Les Jardins, Innergex énergie renouvelable, Énergies Renouvelables Invenergy Canada, and Kruger Énergie Saint-Paul-de-Montminy.
