As part of its 2030 Energy Policy, Canada's Quebec province has released a set of 42 measures representing an investment of $1.5 billion. One of the measures of the first phase, the Action Plan 2017-2020, includes setting up of a 100 MW utility scale solar power plant, another is a 'smart and solar home' demonstration project.
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Pierre Arcand, who introduced the Action Plan 2017-2020, said that it set the tone for the necessary energy transition of Quebec.
The 100 MW solar power plant will be developed by local utility Hydro-Quebec. It is scheduled to come up in 2017. The demonstration project, which should focus on rooftop solar, will be the responsibility of Hydro-Quebec and its research institute IREQ.
"Across the country, more and more provinces are viewing solar energy as a mainstream source for future electricity supply," said President and CEO of the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) John Gorman. Adding, "The actions announced today reaffirm Quebec as a renewable energy giant and an environmental leader."
By 2030, the province will aim to increase energy efficiency by 15%, eliminate the use of thermal coal and increase by 25% overall renewable energy output.
This is the first action plan under the overarching 2030 Energy Policy of Quebec. It can be accessed on the website of Government of Quebec. A further plan will be launched later for the period of 2021-2025 and then 2030.
Recently, Canadian province Alberta announced that it is aiming for 140 MW PV capacity by 2022 (see Alberta Announces $36 Million Solar Program).