Nergica is proud to announce a research project conducted in collaboration with Énergies Tarquti and Hydro-Québec. This project is made possible through funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and our partners.

Press release

GASPÉ, on June 15, 2022 – How can we successfully convert off-grid power systems that consume several million liters of petroleum products annually? Given the ambitious renewable energy targets adopted by Quebec and Canada, one of the priorities is the conversion of these off-grid systems. In this context, Les Énergies Tarquti (hereinafter “Tarquti”), Hydro-Québec, and Nergica are announcing the launch of a major collaborative research project aimed at optimizing the integration of renewable energy into Nunavik’s off-grid systems.

Conventional tools do not take into account the social, technical, economic, and climatic constraints inherent to Nunavik, which complicate the assessment and profitability of a renewable energy project. This partnership aims, in particular, to develop a new approach that takes these constraints into account, while ensuring that the knowledge gained is shared with all Nunavik communities.

“Nergica is proud to contribute to this research initiative, which will promote the energy transition in Nunavik. I would like to highlight our partner Tarquti’s commitment to deploying green energy projects in the region, as well as their engagement with local communities. “This research project will ultimately equip the Inuit with a better understanding of the technologies, their applicability, and their limitations,” says Frédéric Côté, CEO of Nergica. Furthermore, our partner Hydro-Québec’s extensive expertise in off-grid systems will ensure that the project is well-suited to the realities of isolated power grids ” adds Mr. Côté.

On a broader level, this research project will help expand knowledge and adapt methods and technologies for integrating green technologies into the autonomous energy networks of isolated northern communities.

“Nergica is a true institution in the clean energy sector, internationally recognized for its innovations and commitment to the energy transition in cold climates. “It is therefore a great source of pride for the Tarquti team to benefit from the expertise and support of the research center’s professionals to bring the energy transition in Nunavik to life and to share their knowledge with our local teams,” said Joë Lance, CEO of Tarquti.

“This partnership will facilitate and accelerate the integration of renewable energy in Nunavik. It is an important initiative that contributes to our goals of reducing fossil fuel use and, by extension, greenhouse gas emissions. Research into the transition and diversification of the energy mix in microgrids is essential, and this project will certainly accelerate this integration while respecting the values of local communities,” said Patrick Labbé, Head of Innovation, Major Projects, and Conversion in Hydro-Québec’s Autonomous Networks Division.

“The College and Community Innovation Program offers innovative solutions to local and regional problems by drawing on the expertise of Canadian colleges. “On behalf of the three granting agencies, I congratulate all grant-receiving colleges and their private-sector and community partners who are generating social, economic, and environmental benefits for communities of all sizes across the country,” added Alejandro Adem, President of NSERC.

The three-year project is estimated to cost more than $1 million. We would like to thank the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Hydro-Québec, and Tarquti for their financial support.

 

About Tarquti Energies

Founded in 2017, Tarquti is a Nunavik-owned company that carries out clean energy projects tailored to the needs and interests of the region’s communities. Through its activities, it also promotes local job creation. Tarquti is leading Nunavik’s energy transition and building a better future for the region—one that respects the environment and Inuit values. www.tarquti.ca

About Hydro-Québec's Autonomous Networks

Hydro-Québec operates about 20 thermal power plants to supply electricity to communities that are too remote to be connected to the main grid. Although these power plants account for a tiny fraction of Hydro-Québec’s total generation (less than 1%), they are responsible for approximately 43% of its greenhouse gas emissions. Hydro-Québec aims to convert its off-grid systems to 80% renewable energy by 2030.

About Nergica

Nergica is a Canadian applied research center that drives innovation in renewable energy through research, technical assistance, technology transfer, and support for businesses and communities. Its mission: to open new horizons for renewable energy. More specifically, Nergica specializes in developing solutions that promote the integration of renewable energy, optimize the performance of wind and solar power plants, and support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Formerly known as TechnoCentre éolien, Nergica has been active in the renewable energy sector for over 20 years. www.nergica.com

 

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Media Contact:

Audrée Duclos Paré

Director of Marketing and Communications

514-569-1405

adpare@nergica.com

 

The Nergica team is working to catalyze Nunavik’s energy transition through several projects in partnership with Tarquti. Our specialists working on this research project with Tarquti and Hydro-Québec are:

• Claudia Hodonou, Analyst, Research and Innovation
• Valéry Bouchard, Support Staff, Research and Innovation
• Olivier Paré-Lambert, Analyst, Research and Innovation
• Nigel Swytink-Binnema, Senior Analyst, Research and Innovation
• Ege Dundar, Analyst, Research and Innovation
• Denis Lapalme, Analyst, Research and Innovation
• Imen Romdhane, Analyst, Research and Innovation