The TechnoCentre éolien (TCE) notes with interest the "Plan Nord toward 2035" as presented by the Quebec government. Indeed, wind energy in different aspects is one of the actions proposed by the said plan, which will allow the industry and the research sector to develop this form of green energy north of the 49th parallel.  

 

The 20 or so communities lying within the territory targeted by the Plan Nord are served by off-grid systems powered by two hydroelectric and 20 thermal stations. In a context where thermal plants consumed 31 million litres of costly fossil fuels in 2012, the government is seeking solutions adapted to the realities of the North that will allow diesel generators to be gradually replaced by more economically and environmentally advantageous energy. 

 

"Northern communities and the mining industry want to reduce their diesel consumption due to the prohibitive costs associated with this fuel. The TechnoCentre éolien has the equipment and expertise to support them in this process. Besides, we already operate a hybrid diesel-wind-solar microgrid in cold climate conditions that allows us to work at each stage of a project's technological development, from R&D and real-condition validation to industry integration", affirms Frédéric Côté, General Manager of the TechnoCentre éolien.

 

Incorporating renewable energies onto off-grid systems and distributed energy generation is one of TCE's primary areas of research. Notably, TCE collaborates with a number of international working groups in relation with various industry issues of current interest. 

 

The creation of the Institut nordique du Québec is also an excellent opportunity for the TechnoCentre éolien to apply the knowledge it has acquired in the field of wind energy in cold climates within this newly founded entity. "As a college centre for technology transfer working in tandem with the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles, TCE offers the institute its full collaboration with the objective of positioning Quebec as an international leader in cold climate research", adds Frédéric Côté.

 

 

The TechnoCentre éolien (TCE)

www.eolien.qc.ca