Quebec Battery Ambitions Stall as Projects Face Delays, funding Gaps
MONTREAL – A major push to establish Quebec as a North American hub for battery production is encountering headwinds, with projects facing tenant shortages and billions in promised government funding remaining undelivered as of October 17, 2025. The slowdown raises questions about the future of Quebec’s electrification goals and the potential for other industries to capitalize on newly built infrastructure.
Three years after initial plans were unveiled, occupancy rates at industrial parks designed to house battery component manufacturers are lower than anticipated. Despite the setbacks,key figures like Mr. Cimon maintain the initial investment was worthwhile, predicting a future “restart” of transport electrification efforts. Should those efforts stall further, he suggests other industrial players could be drawn to the province’s “world-class infrastructure.”
The situation highlights a broader challenge within Quebec’s battery industry: significant financial commitments from both the provincial and federal governments have yet to be fully realized. Investment Quebec data shows that approximately $2.6 billion in aid promised by the Quebec government for various battery projects remains undisbursed. Ottawa has committed $2.2 billion in support to Quebec’s battery ecosystem, but that amount also remains incomplete.
These funding gaps come as the global battery market evolves rapidly, with increased competition and shifting supply chains. The delays in Quebec could impact the province’s ability to attract further investment and achieve its ambitious goals for a green economy. The future of these projects, and the broader vision for Quebec’s battery industry, now hinges on securing full funding and attracting sufficient tenants to utilize the built infrastructure.
