The power of water
Hydropower makes use of a resource with reserves that are continually replenished.
Water flows throughout Québec, across the 500,000 lakes and 4,500 rivers that cover 22% of the province’s surface area. This natural resource provides continuously available energy.
Dispatchable on demand, water runs through the turbines of a hydroelectric facility and is returned, in its entirety, to the river. Thanks to its storage capacity, a reservoir generating station can respond instantly to changes in demand. At peak periods, hydropower generation can be adjusted almost in real time. In comparison, it can take approximately 12 hours to start up a coal‑fired power plant.
By harnessing the power of water—a clean, renewable resource—we meet energy needs and reduce climate emissions.
Dispatchable on demand, water runs through the turbines of a hydroelectric facility and is returned, in its entirety, to the river. Thanks to its storage capacity, a reservoir generating station can respond instantly to changes in demand. At peak periods, hydropower generation can be adjusted almost in real time. In comparison, it can take approximately 12 hours to start up a coal‑fired power plant.
By harnessing the power of water—a clean, renewable resource—we meet energy needs and reduce climate emissions.
Hydroelectricity is an important part of the world’s energy future
Hydropower is clean power
Québec hydropower is one of the lowest-emission power generating options per kilowatthour. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from hydropower generated in Québec are of similar scale to those from wind and solar power and are much lower than emissions from fossil-fuel sources such as natural gas or coal.
Québec hydropower GHG emissions are similar in scale to wind and solar
The colder the cleaner
Hydro facilities in colder regions such as Québec emit far less greenhouse gas than those in warmer climates.
Reliable
Québec hydropower is a secure and reliable energy source because of the flexibility and quality of the province’s generation and transmission facilities. A commitment to continuous investments and innovation ensures that the Québec power system is continually improved.
Because Hydro‑Québec’s power comes from dozens of generating stations, supply is not affected by maintenance at any particular facility.
For over 50 years, the engineering and construction quality of our hydropower infrastructure has been a model for the industry. Every year, we also make substantial investments to maintain our generating stations and increase their capacity.
In addition, Hydro‑Québec is recognized worldwide for the reliability of its robust transmission grid; we take every opportunity to remain a leader in the industry.
Stable, competitive prices
Québec hydropower is competitively priced when compared with other electricity generating options, including other clean energy sources and natural gas.
Reliable and competitively priced, Québec hydropower contributes to energy security in northeastern North America
After the initial high cost of construction, hydropower projects have very low operating costs. Some Hydro‑Québec facilities have been operating for more than 100 years. As a result, we can offer clean power at very stable and predictable rates over the long term.
Markets that import Québec hydropower reduce their use of natural gas, which fluctuates far more in price. As a result, increased use of hydropower reduces price volatility, particularly in winter when natural gas prices tend to spike.
Reliable and competitively priced, Québec hydropower contributes to energy security in northeastern North America
After the initial high cost of construction, hydropower projects have very low operating costs. Some Hydro‑Québec facilities have been operating for more than 100 years. As a result, we can offer clean power at very stable and predictable rates over the long term.
Markets that import Québec hydropower reduce their use of natural gas, which fluctuates far more in price. As a result, increased use of hydropower reduces price volatility, particularly in winter when natural gas prices tend to spike.
How does hydropower work? And why is it such an important resource in our renewable energy future?
Learn how hydropower works
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Hydro-Québec has been a longstanding reliable partner for decades in the Northeast.
Read about hydropower in the Northeast
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