Quebec’s Energy Transition: From Hydropower Dominance to Solar Momentum
For years, Quebec’s power system has been dominated by hydropower. Cheap, reliable electricity from dams left little room—or incentive—for solar to develop. As a result, solar capacity in the province remained minimal for a long time.
That’s now starting to change.
A First Wave of Utility-Scale Projects
In 2025, Hydro-Québec launched its first large-scale solar procurement, targeting 300 MW of capacity. While the number itself isn’t huge, the response from the market was notable:
- 60 project bids were submitted
- Total proposed capacity reached 481 MW
- Projects were spread across 14 regions
The fact that proposals significantly exceeded the target suggests developers are paying close attention and see real opportunity in Quebec’s solar market.
From Pilot Projects to Scaled Development
Compared to provinces like Alberta, Quebec is still at an early stage in solar deployment. Historically, low-cost hydropower made it difficult for solar to compete.
But conditions are shifting. Electricity demand is rising—driven by electrification, data centers, and industrial growth—and there’s increasing interest in diversifying the energy mix. Solar is now being viewed less as a niche option and more as a practical addition to the system.
This first procurement marks a transition: from scattered pilot projects to more coordinated, utility-scale development.
Support for Rooftop Solar
Alongside large projects, Quebec introduced new incentives in 2026 to support residential and commercial solar installations. These programs aim to:
- Lower upfront costs for users
- Encourage wider adoption of rooftop systems
- Support distributed generation closer to demand
This dual approach—utility-scale plus distributed solar—suggests Quebec is building a more balanced solar market from the ground up.
What to Watch
Quebec’s solar sector is still in its early days, but momentum is building. With strong developer interest, initial policy support, and growing electricity demand, the province is laying the groundwork for steady expansion over the next few years.
Source pv-magazine
