The 12th Quebec Wind Energy Conference, organized by Nergica, commenced at the Baie Bleue Hotel in Carleton-sur-Mer with nearly 180 attendees. The Conference, which is one of the most important wind industry events in Canada, will continue through June 13. 

The themes addressed this year revolve around new opportunities that are beginning to materialize for the Quebec wind sector. The twenty or so guest speakers will address a range of themes including the current state of affairs in the province's wind industry, the energy transition, the impact of climate change, energy storage and Industry 4.0 applied to wind power, cold climate issues, the energy of tomorrow, and, of course, innovation. 

Sneak preview of study on economic impact of wind farm operations 

The Conference begins with the "Discovery on the Docks" series, where participants are invited to look at wind from a different perspective. Notably, attendees will witness the first-in-Canada demonstration of the wind-driven vehicle "Chinook" developed by students of the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS). 

The current state of the wind sector will be presented Tuesday and the results of the study Impacts économiques et financiers de l'exploitation des parcs éoliens au Québec (Economic and financial impacts of wind farm operations in Quebec) will be presented for the first time by Aviseo Conseil. Subsequently, speakers will engage participants in a dialogue on the role of wind power in the energy transition and grid reliability, as well as the impact of self-production on the distribution grid. 

In the past year, our sector has concluded an important chapter of its history with the construction of the last of the projects retained under the 4th call for wind power tenders. Revealing the results of the study on the economic impact of operating wind farms will demonstrate the importance of the wind industry for Quebec's economy and that of its regions, affirms Frédéric Côté, General Manager of Nergica. Moreover, as the energy sector undergoes a major transition, the time is ripe to rethink the development of the wind energy sector, both in Quebec and beyond. The exchanges that take place throughout the Conference will certainly provide food for thought for these ongoing reflections." 

6th Quebec Wind Energy Industry Gala, presented by Siemens Gamesa 

The 6th Quebec Wind Energy Industry Gala will be held during the Conference and will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of this year's event. It will take place the evening of Tuesday, June 12 at 7 p.m. at the Baie Bleue Hotel. This Gala pays tribute to organizations and individuals who have made particularly outstanding contributions in the sector in the past two years. Twelve companies and three individuals have been retained as finalists for awards in one of eight categories. You will find the complete list of nominations here. 

Wind Meetings, one of the Conference's signature activities 

The not-to-be-missed Wind Meetings will evidently be part of the program. As a "B2B" meeting service orchestrated by a team recognized on multiple occasions for its dynamism, Wind Meetings facilitate year in and year out the development of lasting business relationships between contract givers and Quebec-based suppliers. Thanks to the organization of over 300 business tête-à-têtes every year, Wind Meetings are inarguably one of the flagship features of the Conference. 

For the complete event program, visit the Conference website.

Nergica | www.nergica.com