Renewable energies symposium + gala

Jean-François Nolet is Vice-President, Government Relations and Public Affairs at TES Canada. Prior to joining TES, he was Senior Director, Global Government, Public and Regulatory Affairs at Enerkem.

Jean-François has nearly 20 years' experience in the renewable energy field. He has held various positions at the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), including Vice President, Public Policy, Public and Government Affairs. In this capacity, he was instrumental in developing public and regulatory policies to support and establish the wind, solar and energy storage industries in Canada. A renowned strategist, he has worked throughout his career to develop and implement government relations and public affairs strategies on energy and climate issues, both nationally and internationally. He sits on the Board of Directors of Hydrogèene Québec

Jean-François holds a bachelor's degree in political science from McGill University and studied at the École nationale d'administration publique de Montréal.

Jean-Benoit Courchesne is Senior Vice-President, Business Development at TES Canada. For the past 4 years, he has been responsible for all aspects of the company's business development and expansion projects.

Prior to joining TES, Jean-Benoit was Corporate Finance and Development Manager for Enerkem, a company commercializing a gasification technology for the conversion of non-recyclable, non-compostable residual materials into biofuels and renewable chemicals. He was directly involved in raising over $1 billion in capital for the company and structuring a $1.5 billion partnership between Shell, Suncor, Proman, Enerkem and the governments of Quebec and Canada.

Senior Project Manager, Renewable Energies

Sabrina Bouchard is a seasoned specialist in foreign direct investment and international relations. After holding strategic positions at Québec International, she joined Investissement Québec in 2021, where she played a key role in the development of the battery industry, notably by attracting projects related to critical minerals, active materials and battery components to the Bécancour region.

Since January 2026, she has also been responsible for the renewable energies sector, working closely with the MEIE and Hydro Québec to maximize the economic spin-offs of the wind power projects planned in the 2035 development plan. Her leadership is helping to strengthen Quebec's industrial capacity and position the province as a key player in the North American energy transition.

Jean-Philippe Chartrand has spent the last fifteen years working in local development and project management. He has supported municipalities and organizations in their initiatives. Familiar with the public sector, he facilitates consensus-building and project financing.

He coordinated the committee for maximizing the economic benefits of the Port-Daniel-Gascons cement plant, and recently took over the management of Nuvéo, the renewable energy niche of excellence.

A biologist by training, he has added to his curriculum two university certificates completed with honors: one in management, the other in organizational communication.

Christelle Masson is Director, Strategic Sourcing, Talents and Communications at the Association de l'industrie électrique du Québec (AIEQ). She plays a central role in mobilizing Quebec's electrical ecosystem around key issues such as the development of local supply chains, manufacturing capacity and the energy transition.

With over 25 years' experience in strategy, sustainable development and communications, she supports public and private organizations in the implementation of structuring initiatives, particularly in the fields of responsible sourcing, ESG performance and value creation within territories.

At the AIEQ, she pilots programs such as PASQÉ, aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of Quebec companies and supporting the growth of local suppliers in a context of accelerated electrification. She plays an active role in bringing principals and manufacturers closer together, in order to structure supply chains that are more integrated, efficient and rooted in regional realities.

Christelle pays particular attention to integrating ESG criteria into business strategies, putting forward concrete approaches that simultaneously promote the energy transition, local economic spin-offs and more sustainable business practices.

She holds a joint Executive MBA from UQAM and Université Paris-Dauphine, as well as a DESS in Sustainable Development Management from HEC Montréal.

William Shemie, Pattern Energy
Development Manager, Canada

William Shemie has over 15 years' experience in the development, financing and construction of renewable energy projects in Canada. He has been working in the Quebec renewable energy industry since 2010, and currently leads project development for Pattern in Quebec, where he is responsible for all new projects.

Prior to his current position, William was lead developer for the Mont Sainte-Marguerite wind power project. Over the course of his career, he has contributed to the realization of major wind farms in Quebec and Ontario, including Henvey Inlet.

Prior to joining Pattern, William was senior developer of the Montérégie wind farm at Kruger. He also held a leadership role at DNV, where he was a team leader in the independent engineering group, supporting the financing of wind and solar projects across North America.

William sits on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA). He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Queen's University and is a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ).

Justin Bulota is Tarquti's Director of Project Development and an electrical engineer specializing in renewable energy development for remote and isolated microgrids. Nationally recognized in the renewable energy sector, he leads the development, execution and commissioning of clean energy initiatives tailored to the realities of Nunavik communities.

With more than 15 years' experience in the energy sector, Justin has built a solid track record in delivering complex energy projects and developing strategic partnerships. He is one of the few engineers with specialized expertise in wind power projects in Nunavik, having successfully led the deployment of two large-scale wind turbines as well as a number of other projects

energy storage systems at the Raglan mine, while exceeding project schedule and cost expectations.

Throughout his career, he has distinguished himself by his ability to mobilize multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, while developing concrete and innovative strategies adapted to the realities of the environment in which he operates.

Eager to contribute positively to the diversification of cleaner energy solutions and to support Nunavik's energy transition, Justin is also an excellent communicator, recognized for his ability to make complex technical concepts accessible and applicable. He has participated in numerous conferences and workshops on the challenges of implementing renewable energy projects on microgrids in extremely isolated environments. In addition to his professional achievements, Justin continues to receive significant recognition for his talent in photography, showcasing northern landscapes and cultures.

A recognized leader in the renewable energy sector, Frédéric brings over 25 years of experience in strategy, governance and general management. Managing Director of Nergica since 2009, he stands out for his mobilizing leadership, his influence within the ecosystem and his ability to turn an ambitious vision for the energy transition into reality.

Pierre Yves Côté holds a B.A. in International Studies from Glendon College, York University, and an M.A. from the University of Toronto
master's degree (M.Sc.) in international business from Université de Montréal. He has over 30 years
of experience in the development, financing and management of investment projects,
in particular, he has worked in the hydroelectric, solar and wind power sectors.

From 1997 to 2001, he represented Hydro-Québec International at the Asian Development Bank
development Bank, contributing to business development and the structuring of partnerships in Asia.

From 2001 to 2018, he was President of Stratexport International Inc
he is also involved in technological cooperation between Canada and emerging countries in Southeast Asia and Latin America.
Between 2018 et 2025, he supported more than 25 Mashteuiatsh aboriginal businesses in the development of tourism, forestry, construction and renewable energy projects
development of tourism, forestry, construction and renewable energy projects.

Since 2025, he has been Vice-President of Nipiu Energie Inc
operation and maintenance of wind turbines in Quebec.

Marie St-Gelais is an Innu civil engineer from Pessamit, with 20 years' experience in engineering, project management and business leadership. In 2016, she co-founded Ashini Consultants, an Aboriginal engineering firm that is now one of the largest in Canada, working with nearly 30 communities to develop their infrastructure and buildings.

Its work takes place where the structuring decisions are made, upstream of major energy, mining and infrastructure projects on the territories, in order to integrate Aboriginal technical expertise and contribute to better adapted, more coherent and more promising projects for the communities.

With an MBA in Indigenous Business Leadership from Simon Fraser University, she is involved in numerous initiatives to support the next generation of Aboriginal technical professionals. Her vision is for engineering to become a lever of self-determination, capable of influencing practices and decisions in projects that shape territories and communities.

A mechanical engineer specializing in wind power in cold climates, Charles leads large-scale research projects and supports partners in the realization of high-performance, sustainable solutions. With over ten years' experience, he is a recognized leader in the Canadian and international renewable energy ecosystem.

Dominique is an engineer at Hydro Québec with over 15 years' experience in the field of renewable energies. He currently works on energy potential analysis and contributes to the development of wind power projects, including the Nutinamu Chauvin project, from site identification to preliminary design. He also played a key role in the 2009 wind power tender, as well as in structuring projects such as the Lac Mégantic microgrid and the connection of the Hemmingford energy storage system.

Expert analyst, research and innovation  

Denis stands out for his rigor, analytical mind and ability to make complex concepts accessible; qualities that make him a sought-after collaborator on strategic wind energy projects. A recognized expert in the forecasting and analysis of wind turbine production in icing climates, as well as in the operation of icing protection systems, he uses his advanced programming skills to develop decision-support tools and reveal key information hidden in data sets 

With over five years' experience, Denis contributes to the advancement of wind power technologies in demanding climatic conditions, notably through performance evaluation and the design of innovative tools to support decision-making and system reliability. A skilled popularizer, he is also committed to sharing knowledge with a variety of audiences and communities, reflecting his commitment to accessible innovation. 

Active in his community, Denis also offers his volunteer support to the local library, reflecting his commitment to the development and vitality of his community 

He has a strong academic background that supports his technical expertise and his performance-oriented, collaborative approach. 

Jakob has an M.Sc. in Sustainable Energy Systems and fourteen years of professional experience from the
energy sector and has been working with project management and analysis within the fields of renewable
energy and nuclear power. He has during the past six years mainly worked with development of large-scale
land-based solar parks in Sweden and Eastern Europe, and has also gained experience from battery energy
storage systems, hydrogen storage systems, hybrid parks as well as grid connection and land lease. Jakob
is an experienced project manager for smaller projects, and combines analytical thinking with good communication and interpersonal skills
communication and interpersonal skills.

Jakob holds a Master's degree (M.Sc.) in Sustainable Energy Systems and has fourteen years' professional experience in the energy sector. He has worked in project management and analysis in the fields of renewable energies and nuclear power. Over the past six years, he has focused on the development of large-scale onshore solar parks in Sweden and Eastern Europe, and has also gained experience in battery energy storage systems, hydrogen storage, hybrid parks, as well as grid connection and land leases. Jakob is an experienced project manager for smaller projects, combining analytical thinking, effective communication and strong interpersonal skills.

Lévy is a partner in our national business law group in the Montreal office, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, project development and asset management in the infrastructure and renewable energy sectors.

He draws on his extensive experience in managing complex transactions and projects in a variety of sectors, advising clients on strategic issues and ensuring the proper governance of commercial transactions. Drawing on his client-side experience as a corporate lawyer, Lévy has participated in the acquisition and sale of renewable energy assets in North America and Europe, negotiated key partnership agreements and overseen the legal aspects of various real estate, infrastructure and renewable energy projects.

Jimmy Royer graduated in electrical engineering from the Université de Sherbrooke in 1981. He has worked for over 40 years in the energy field, and more specifically in the deployment of renewable energy projects in integrated and autonomous networks. He founded his company Solener in 1992 and has supervised several solar projects in Africa, Argentina and Quebec. He was a senior technical advisor to the federal government for 18 years and manager of the ecoEnergy program for renewable energies. Retired from the federal government in 2016, he now works as a consultant for renewable energy projects in Quebec. He is also an analyst with the Régie de l'énergie and, since 2024, vice-president of Énergie solaire Québec.

Bernard is a seasoned engineer specializing in solar photovoltaic technologies. He is also a consultant in innovative solar projects and rural electrification for remote communities. Over the past ten years, he has carried out numerous mandates for institutional organizations. A member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ), Bernard has 33 years' experience at Hydro-Québec, where he has held positions in the planning, design and operation of electrical distribution networks, microgrids, renewable energies and thermal power plants. His expertise also extends to the international arena, having carried out over 200 missions abroad.

Passionate about renewable energies, Bernard has realized his Tournesol project: a small Renewable Energy Interpretation Center and energy-efficient greenhouse on his land in Saint-Roch de Richelieu. This project is linked to the Centre Terre de Jonquière. His property is connected to the HQ net metering system with a 20 kW solar panel. An excellent popularizer, he gives training courses on residential and commercial solar systems in Quebec. Bernard is also the project manager for an electrical microgrid in Haiti, financed by Hydro-Québec and the Ministère des Relations Internationales et de la Francophonie.

Samuel Boily is Strategic Marketing and Territorial Outreach Advisor for the Fjord-du-Saguenay MRC. With several years' experience in territorial and community development, he specializes in coordinating regional consultation bodies and collaborating with local organizations, particularly in the context of planning, mobilizing stakeholders and implementing strategic projects. With a keen interest in territorial planning, he contributes to the deployment of special projects linked to territorial development, including those associated with the wind energy sector.

Josianne Pelosse is Assistant General Manager - Land Management and Development at the Fjord-du-Saguenay RCM. She favors a concerted, harmonious approach to meeting demographic challenges and fostering sustainable, innovative and inclusive territorial development. It is convinced that MRCs have a key role to play in Quebec's energy transition. Its mission is to take concrete action so that, collectively, we can achieve our environmental and economic targets while ensuring coherent management of Quebec's territory.

Viviane Ferran is Operations Manager at the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce (CCBC) in Montreal, where she actively contributes to the development of economic, trade and innovation relations between Brazil and Canada.

With over 20 years' experience in economic development, entrepreneurship and project management, she has supported companies, institutions and innovation ecosystems in a variety of contexts, notably with SEBRAE in Brazil, the City of Montreal and the Joliette RCM (CDEJ).

With a PMP certification and a Master's degree in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion from Université Laval, Viviane is particularly interested in issues of territorial innovation and international collaboration. She also plays a key role in accompanying Brazilian companies in Canada and in structuring strategic partnerships.

Jean-Philippe Chartrand has spent the last fifteen years working in local development and project management. He has supported municipalities and organizations in their initiatives. Familiar with the public sector, he facilitates consensus-building and project financing.

He coordinated the committee for maximizing the economic benefits of the Port-Daniel-Gascons cement plant, and recently took over the management of Nuvéo, the renewable energy niche of excellence.

A biologist by training, he has added to his curriculum two university certificates completed with honors: one in management, the other in organizational communication.

Mechanical engineer, Master's degree in energy regulation. Over 30 years' experience in commercial development of renewable energies, energy efficiency and environmental services. Mr. Souza has been working on solar energy and energy storage projects since 1994. Founder of several companies, researcher and collaborator at the University of São Paulo. Advisor to the Brazilian Association of Decentralized Generation (ABGD). Former member of the Advisory Group of the United Nations Green Climate Fund (GCF). Former senior executive and Managing Director of the Rockefeller Foundation's Winrock International Institute (Brazil)

Viviane Maraghi is a consultant at Atmacinta, where, in collaboration with aboriginal communities, she assists organizations with their strategic issues related to energy transition, sustainability and project integration in host environments. An anthropologist by training, she has over 20 years' experience in renewable energy project development, business development and relations with key players, including the public and governmental dimensions.

Recognized for her human and structured approach, she operates at the interface of environmental, social and economic dimensions, with a particular focus on social acceptability, equity and diversity. She stands out for her ability to build lasting relationships of trust and to navigate complex contexts, reconciling strategy, communications and realities on the ground. Over the course of her career, she has contributed to the realization of numerous large-scale projects and been actively involved in the development of Quebec's energy sector.

A popular speaker and facilitator, she is a regular speaker and moderator in the field of energy.

Sabrina Harbec is Vice President of Corporate Relations - North America at Nordex, where she leads government relations, aboriginal community relations, communications, public policy, strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement to strengthen the company's presence in the renewable energy sector in Canada and the United States. Based in Montreal, she works closely with federal and provincial partners, as well as Aboriginal communities, industry associations, developers, community organizations and other key players in the renewable energy ecosystem to advance clean, inclusive, community-centered and economically viable energy development.

Prior to joining Nordex, Ms. Harbec held several management positions at Hydro-Québec (2020-2025), including Director - Business Customers and Energy Solutions. In this role, she led the development of integrated energy transition offerings, oversaw commercial programs, oversaw communications related to key initiatives, managed regulatory affairs and supported key industrial and public players in achieving their decarbonization objectives.

She previously spent nearly a decade with ArcelorMittal Mining Exploration Canada, where she held key roles in strategic procurement and energy strategy. Her work included carbon market policy management, community-focused business development and extensive collaboration with Aboriginal communities to support sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships.

Ms. Harbec holds a double bachelor's degree in mathematics and economics from St. Lawrence University (New York), a D.E.S.S. in management - sustainable development from HEC Montréal, and an executive MBA from Université de Sherbrooke. A former high-level athlete, she competed for six years with Canada's National Women's Hockey Team and was named an NCAA All-American three times.

Philippe Michaud is Director - Communities and Government Relations at Innergex.

Over the course of his career, he has established himself as a specialist in managing some of the most high-profile and complex crises. He was the first civilian manager to head the Communications and Media Relations Division of the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM), where he took charge of sensitive files with a strong societal impact. In particular, he piloted community outreach in a context of ethnocultural profiling issues, managed crises linked to the fight against armed violence, and directed communications for major international events, including COP15.

He also played a key role in managing strategic issues linked to major industrial and energy projects, notably at Northvolt, in a highly publicized context.

He also worked at Hydro-Québec, where he designed and implemented public participation and engagement initiatives with local and Aboriginal communities, notably in Labrador for major projects such as the Churchill Falls power plant extension and the potential development of Gull Island.

With a master's degree in applied political studies from the Université de Sherbrooke, he specializes in management and in anticipating and preventing relational and strategic issues, particularly in the context of particularly sensitive projects.

Elected to the Conseil des Innus de Pessamit seven years ago, Gérald Hervieux believes that his role as a councillor is to work for the entire population of Pessamit, which is why he considers me to be a key player in the communityfacilitatori'm here to help keep the machine running by acting, so to speak, as a transmission belt between the Council and the sectors assigned to me Heavily involved in and implementing the recovery plan in 2016, Gérald Hervieux now represents Pessamit at a negotiating table with Hydro-Québec, where compensation, species preservation and land sustainability are being discussed. "These negotiations should lead to the signing of theEntente Pipmuakaninitiated in November 2017, don't claim to solve everything, he says. There are 22 dams and 23 generating stations on our Nitassinan, and this massive Hydro-Québec presence is still the subject of a lawsuit before the courts that must, one day or another, result in a settlement. In the meantime, we have obtained a number of benefits and guarantees, which we will soon be discussing at a members' meeting Convinced that the future of Pessamit depends on the active participation of the population, Gérald is pleased to note that the community's financial situation now makes it possible to envisage a genuine economic transition focused on entrepreneurship. But for him, language, culture and ilnu-aitun remain his priorities: "They are essential to my work on the Board," he says. Our rights are non-negotiable, and development must respect the land and the environment for future generations."

Julie Boucher has over 20 years' experience in communications and public affairs in complex, highly political environments. A seasoned executive, she has led some of the most public-facing teams in Quebec, and served on the executive committees of Hydro-Québec, Alto and Santé Québec. There, she piloted major transformations, built complete teams and designed national influence strategies. An expert in relations with governments, communities, interest groups, First Nations and Inuit, Julie excels in sensitive contexts. Recognized for her calm and human approach, she proposes concrete solutions, backed by her background in journalism.

Alexandre Taillefer has worked in the energy sector for over 10 years. He has been Managing Director of Direxyon and Senior Partner of XPND Fund since 2011, an investment fund active in the electrification, technology, media and entertainment sectors.

Entrepreneur behind Gridsync Energy, he is developing a network of battery energy storage systems (BESS) controlled by a virtual power plant, aiming for 500 MW of behind-the-meter storage by 2031.

He is the founder of several landmark Quebec companies, including Nurun, Hexacto, Stingray and Téo Taxi.

He has chaired the boards of directors of the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal, BIXI Montréal and Opéra de Montréal.

He is known to the general public for his participation in Dans l'œil du dragon, his columns in Voir and La Presse, and his radio appearances with Paul Arcand.

In 2017, he received an honorary doctorate from UQAM's School of Management Sciences.

A recognized leader in the renewable energy sector, Frédéric brings over 25 years of experience in strategy, governance and general management. Managing Director of Nergica since 2009, he stands out for his mobilizing leadership, his influence within the ecosystem and his ability to turn an ambitious vision for the energy transition into reality.