{"id":774,"date":"2026-04-20T15:49:26","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T20:49:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/benoit.marcoux.ca\/blog\/?p=774"},"modified":"2026-06-21T15:55:44","modified_gmt":"2026-06-21T20:55:44","slug":"500-mw-of-projects-for-300-mw-targeted-a-large-scale-test-for-hydro-quebec","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/benoit.marcoux.ca\/blog\/500-mw-of-projects-for-300-mw-targeted-a-large-scale-test-for-hydro-quebec\/","title":{"rendered":"500 MW of projects for 300 MW targeted: a large-scale test for Hydro-Qu\u00e9bec"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hydro Qu\u00e9bec<\/a> announced last week that it had received 60 bids totalling 481 MW for its first 300 MW solar call for tenders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is an important signal for the entire industry. But we must avoid two simplistic readings: neither minimizing the importance of this step nor concluding too quickly that a mature market is emerging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: This text has been proofread by people in the industry before publication. Their comments validated its robustness and clarity. They may recognize themselves in this acknowledgement.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(LinkedIn: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pulse\/500-mw-projects-300-targeted-large-scale-test-benoit-marcoux-yzgke\/<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solar formally enters the system<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first observation is institutional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solar photovoltaics is now formally entering Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s energy system as a recognized and organized component. It is no longer a marginal or experimental topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The submission of 60 projects, spread across 14 regions, with significant involvement from local and Indigenous communities, confirms that an ecosystem is beginning to emerge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But this signal should not be mistaken for industrialization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An emerging market: real competition, but still limited<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The submissions total 481 MW for a 300 MW procurement. There is competition, but it remains moderate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In mature markets, oversubscription is typically much higher, driven by developers capable of scaling and replicating projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, the market is still in a structuring phase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two characteristics stand out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, strong concentration<\/strong>. A few developers submitted full portfolios totalling tens of MW each. Natural Forces<\/a> , Innergex<\/a> and NUTRINOR COOP\u00c9RATIVE<\/a> stand out, with combined portfolios representing roughly two thirds of the targeted volume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second, a long tail of small projects<\/strong>. Most bidders submitted only one or two projects, often of limited size. Even structured players like BluEarth Renewables<\/a> adopted a selective approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The local base is nonetheless strong<\/strong>: 13 of the 17 bidders are Qu\u00e9bec-based, representing 28 projects and 286 MW. Several Canadian players created dedicated entities to operate in this context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indigenous participation is also notable<\/strong>, with a significant share of projects involving local communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, the relative absence of large international developers<\/strong> is worth noting. Players such as EDF<\/a>, Iberdrola<\/a> , Enel Group<\/a> or NextEra<\/a> are not present. This may help explain the level of competition observed and appears consistent with certain features of the procurement design\u2014particularly project size, structure, and requirements\u2014which are less aligned with large-scale industrial deployment models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, the market exists and is responding, but it has not yet reached the depth and level of industrialization seen elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A procurement approach that structures and constrains the market<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The central issue lies in how Hydro-Qu\u00e9bec structured this procurement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Projects must be under 25 MW and connected to the distribution network. They must also meet strict timelines and rigorous requirements regarding local content, economic benefits, partnerships, and technical specifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This design serves legitimate objectives:<\/p>\n\n\n\n