May 12, 2006
More dams and wind
farms in Quebec's future
Quebec plans to expand
hydroelectric and wind-generated electricity projects and increase its power
exports as part of its new 10-year strategic energy plan.
The strategy, unveiled
last week, said Quebec should:
- strengthen its energy
security;
- make better use of energy
for economic development;
- use hydroelectricity,
wind energy, hydrocarbon reserves and natural gas supplies;
- give local and regional
communities and First Nations "more say";
- use energy more efficiently;
- become a leader in sustainable
development.
Based on this strategy,
Quebec plans to spend $25 billion, create 70,000 jobs through new projects,
and boost power exports.
"We have a hydro-electric
potential that can ensure our energy security, support the establishment of
prosperity-creating industries and generate the ability to export to neighboring
markets," Quebec Premier Jean Charest said in a statement.
Charest said hydro projects
now under consideration in northern Quebec constitute the "second phase"
of the James Bay project - a project he praised for its contribution to the
"economic vitality" of Quebec.
Charest also said Quebec
will produce another 4,000 megawatts of wind power by 2015, about 10 per cent
of peak electricity demand in Quebec.
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