Hydro-Québec CEO Defends Provincial Economic Benefits of Infrastructure Spending
MONTREAL – Hydro-Québec spent $5.4 billion within Quebec, with 93% of that amount directed to companies based in the province, according to CEO Sophie Brochu, who addressed the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal on Wednesday. the assurance comes amid scrutiny following reports that wind turbine blades for a project north of Mont Sainte-Anne were imported from china.
The commitment to maximizing quebec’s economic benefit from its energy projects is crucial as the province navigates increasing demand and ambitious green energy goals. The debate over sourcing impacts not only Quebec businesses but also the broader discussion of provincial self-sufficiency and sustainable growth. Brochu’s statements signal Hydro-Québec’s intent to prioritize local economic impact while acknowledging current supply chain realities.
Brochu clarified that Hydro-Québec is an investor in Boralex’s Des Neiges project, but the duty for establishing the supply chain at the moast competitive cost rests with the developer. She explained that no Quebec-based suppliers currently possess the capacity to manufacture the specific turbine blades required for the project.
However, Brochu emphasized that Quebec expertise will be leveraged in the production of blades for offshore projects planned in the United States. She affirmed Hydro-Québec’s commitment to increasing the percentage of economic benefits retained within Quebec for future initiatives.
Responding to earlier reporting by La Presse regarding the Chinese-sourced blades, Premier François Legault stated that future projects “must” utilize blades manufactured in Quebec. Brochu’s remarks appear to address those concerns while outlining the complexities of immediate sourcing limitations.
