The Canadian province of Québec intends to attract investments of C$47 billion over the next 25 years for the development of renewable energy as part of a major project to boost economic development in its northern territories.
“Plan Nord” envisages opening up what is largely an untouched region to mining development to take advantage of its economic potential. It includes investments of C$33 billion in mining and transport infrastructure and the development of 3500 MW of renewable energy.
The Plan Nord is one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken by Québec and has been developed in conjunction with Aboriginal and local community groups. It is a “unique model of sustainable development that reconciles social and economic development and environmental protection”, says a government statement.
Under the plan, some 2000 MW of hydropower resources will be developed alongside 300 MW of wind power and 200 MW of other renewable resources. It also calls for support for projects not linked to the main power grid that specifically satisfy the energy needs of industrial projects, and funding for studies necessary to carry out underwater generator projects.
It will also support the development of a hybrid wind-diesel pilot power plant.
Plan Nord covers an area of 1.2 million square km, roughly the size of the whole of South Africa. The region is already home to more than 75 per cent of Quebec’s hydroelectric power, with government-owned Hydro-Quebec alone producing 34 490 MW, and has one of the world’s largest freshwater reserves, made up of nearly 500 000 lakes and thousands of rivers.
Protection of the environment and the region’s ecosystems will be at the forefront of decision-making under Plan Nord projects, says the Québec government.
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