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Hydro-Québec Reopens Natural Gas Plant to Enhance Winter Energy Resilience

Hydro-Québec plans to restart the Bécancour natural gas power plant, built in 2006 but never used to supply the Quebec grid, to meet peak demand during cold spells. The plant, originally designed for continuous operation, will be converted to operate only during peak periods and will be powered by renewable natural gas instead of fossil fuels. The reconversion aims to provide about 350 MW of capacity, less than its original 600 MW, and will not be operational before 2028-2029. Hydro-Québec's decision marks a shift from hydroelectric management to incorporating fossil fuel energy sources for peak demand, amidst record cold snaps and rising electricity needs, with demand reaching over 43,000 MW in winter 2023. Meanwhile, innovative solutions are being deployed across Quebec to strengthen energy resilience. These include efforts to decarbonize buildings, improve energy efficiency, and develop local renewable energy sources such as marine hydrokinetic systems by Ocean Renewable Power Canada, which harness river and tidal energy through submerged turbines. These turbines operate continuously, providing predictable, decentralized power that enhances grid resilience, especially in remote communities. Additionally, Énergir and Hydro-Québec have introduced a bi-energy solution that switches heating from electric to natural gas when temperatures drop below -12°C, reducing peak load and greenhouse gas emissions. This system has attracted nearly 8,000 clients and aims to save 1,000-1,500 MW and 35,000 tons of GHG emissions by 2030. These efforts reflect a broader strategy to diversify and decentralize energy production, including urban thermal networks and renewable natural gas, to build a more resilient and sustainable energy system in Quebec.

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