25 years ago, a group of Gaspésie players joined forces around a common conviction: that a different energy future was possible. It was from this collective vision that Nergica was born - a community-driven vehicle to structure, develop and propel an emerging industry. At a time when wind energy was still a matter of doubt, they chose to believe in it. Together.
Since then, we've stood the test of time, overcoming uncertainties and accompanying the beginnings of a still-fragile industry. With perseverance and steadfastness, we have contributed to building, structuring and growing a sector that is now unavoidable. Today, we look back with pride. For 25 years, Nergica has been a reliable player, a strategic ally and a focal point for players in the sector. We have forged links, pooled expertise and contributed to the emergence of a strong, innovative and forward-looking industry. We were there at the beginning. We're still here today. And we will continue to be.
1986
Installation of a 65 kW horizontal axis wind turbine in Kuujjuaq (off-grid). The turbine has since been dismantled and is now used for training at the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles.
1998
Commercial commissioning of the first phase of the Énergie Le Nordais project in Cap-Chat, comprising 76 750 kW wind turbines - a founding milestone for the industry.
1999
Commercial commissioning of the second phase of the Énergie Le Nordais project in Matane, comprising 57 750 kW wind turbines.
2000
Birth of the Technocentre éolien, now Nergica - a visionary organization dedicated to developing the industry.
2003
The Murdochville site comes to life, becoming a strategic hub for research and innovation.
Following a decision by the Quebec government on March 5, 2003, Hydro-Québec Distribution launched its first call for tenders for the acquisition of 1,000 MW of wind power capacity in May 2003.
2007
First Nergica symposium: a key meeting place for industry players. The Technocentre is already working closely with communities and RCMs.
2009
Frédéric Côté takes over as Managing Director - a leadership that continues to shape the organization's development to this day.
2010
Expansion of commercial activities and consolidation of Nergica's role as a key industry player.
A role that goes beyond projects
Over the years, Nergica has established itself as much more than just a center of expertise. The organization has evolved with the times, developing a wide range of expertise supported by committed experts. Nergica's recognized expertise in cold climates, its numerous research projects and its unique North American testing facility make it both a technical leader and an organization firmly rooted in action.
But Nergica's contribution is not limited to its achievements. The organization has played a structuring role in the energy ecosystem, becoming a real driver of development for the industry. It acts as a springboard for emerging players, a catalyst for meetings and an integration facilitator for talents and organizations alike. By creating lasting links between innovation, territory and industry, Nergica has contributed to structuring the sector and fostering dialogue between its various players. This mission takes shape in particular through its Colloque, a flagship event held since 2006. Over the past 25 years, the Colloquium has generated between 2,500 and 3,500 formal business meetings, testifying to its tangible impact on the sector's development.
Still here. And more forward-looking than ever.
Today, 25 years later, our commitment remains intact. While wind power marked our beginnings, our action now extends to new avenues, notably solar power, actively contributing to the evolution and diversification of renewable energies. Because building the future of energy is above all a question of vision, confidence... and consistency. And the story doesn't end here. We're already on the road to new years of success, driven by ambitious projects including our new solar-positive building, a concrete symbol of the future we're helping to build, starting today.
