Shaping the energy system of the future

Integrating more distributed energy resources (DERs) and expanding the role of customers

The key to accelerating the energy transition is to harness variable energy sources that complement our hydropower, and adopt the most promising technological solutions for our customers.

Our planning for the energy system and its evolution will take into account new energy resources and additional output from all sources (wind, solar, thermal, battery, etc.). It will open doors to projects facilitating the integration of these inputs and strengthen our partnerships with businesses and communities. More specifically, we will assess the impacts of incorporating variable generation, particularly wind power, into the grid as a complement to our hydroelectricity.

In addition to these efforts, we’re working more closely with municipalities and communities to explore innovative and effective ways of integrating energy management directly at our customers’ sites through Hilo, among others. On that front, the Lac-Mégantic microgrid has once again distinguished itself by winning the Grands Prix du génie-conseil québécois award in the Energy category.

Transitioning our current grid to an integrated energy system

A number of game-changing initiatives are at the heart of the digital transformation of the energy system, including improving forecasting tools, substation automation, carrying out predictive maintenance on generating facilities and performing remote monitoring, and 3D modeling.

Transforming our grid into an integrated energy system

Our traditional one-way power grid has to evolve into a two-way system to accommodate DERs, allow customers to participate in energy exchanges and meet growing energy needs. Ultimately, our energy system will become a diversified smart system consisting of many interconnected, flexible and bidirectional energy sources. This transformation will leverage new digital technologies to optimize system operations and energy consumption.

We are also carrying out R&D in connection with a number of digitization, advanced analytics, AI and solution industrialization initiatives. This year, we developed our first AI model for demand forecasting, for use during winter 2022–2023.