Press Release – Release of a Canada-wide Study: Climate Change Has No Significant Impact on Wind Energy Potential

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GASPÉ, May 24, 2023 — Nergica, in collaboration with Ouranos and Hydro-Québec, today unveiled the results of a study examining the impact of climate change on wind energy potential in North America. The findings are very reassuring for the future of wind power in Canada: no significant changes in wind power generation are expected over the coming decades. It is a mature technology that will remain profitable and well-suited to play a central role in Canada’s energy transition, despite climate change. 

As climate change increasingly disrupts the environment and the balance of ecosystems, renewable energy—as a replacement for fossil fuels—is one of the main avenues for reducing the potential scale of the consequences associated with these changes. Wind energy, in particular, has a pivotal role to play in the energy transition toward a low-carbon economy. However, a question arises: Are these renewable technologies also at risk from climate change, which would call into question the relevance of their role in the energy transition? 

This five-year study examined the impact of climate change on winds, ice, and wind energy production by comparing a future period (2031–2060) with a historical period (1981–2010). In conclusion: the results suggest that winds, like frost, will be minimally affected by climate change. Wind energy will remain a key technology in Canada’s energy future to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while meeting growing energy demand. 

Key findings of the study: 

• This study shows that, for the future period (2031–2060), climate change will not have any significant adverse impacts on wind power generation in Canada, taking into account wind patterns and icing conditions; 
• This study enables policymakers to better assess the risks associated with climate change for the wind power industry and to make informed decisions regarding the promising future of this renewable energy source; 
• These results enable Canadian power grid operators to improve long-term planning for wind power and increase its reliability; 
• This study confirms that wind power will continue to play a key role in Canada’s energy future and will help achieve the electricity grid’s carbon-neutrality targets for 2035, while meeting growing energy demand; 

“This study makes a significant contribution to our understanding of Canada’s wind energy potential. By incorporating, for the first time, the impact of climate change on icing—a major source of energy and financial losses for wind farms—the results are directly applicable to Canada’s cold climate. These results thus confirm that Canada’s wind energy potential will remain stable for the coming decades and that wind energy remains a solution of choice for meeting energy transition targets,” explains Marilys Clément, project manager for research and innovation at Nergica and coordinator of the study. 

“The finding that climate change has a negligible impact on wind energy production in Canada is one of the few pieces of good news amid a list of adverse impacts. We are pleased that our regional climate simulations were able to help account for icing events in addition to wind patterns as part of this innovative assessment of the future of wind energy production. This renewable energy source will remain effective and reliable in meeting growing electricity needs while contributing to the decarbonization of the economy. “This study is central to our vision of collaboration between the scientific community and adaptation stakeholders,” said Alain Bourque, Executive Director of Ouranos.  

“Wind energy will play an increasingly important role in the electrification of our economy. In fact, by 2030, wind power capacity will double in Quebec and will continue to grow thereafter. “This study will not only be very useful to us in planning our energy resources, but its findings also confirm that, despite the impacts of climate change, wind power generation will be there to supply Québec with electricity,” explains Kim Robitaille, Director — Energy System Operations Planning at Hydro-Québec. 

Link to the study

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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 accelerate the development and adoption of 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). Nergica has been active in the renewable energy sector for over 20 years. 

About Ouranos 

Founded in 2001, Ouranos emerged from a shared vision of the Government of Quebec, Hydro-Québec, and Environment Canada, with financial support from Valorisation-Recherche-Québec. Comprising a network of some 450 scientists and professionals from various disciplines, the consortium focuses on climate science, vulnerabilities, impacts, and adaptation. Its goal is to acquire and develop knowledge about climate change and its impacts, as well as socioeconomic and environmental vulnerabilities, in order to inform decision-makers about climate change and advise them on identifying, assessing, promoting, and implementing local and regional adaptation strategies. 

About Hydro-Québec 

Hydro-Québec generates, transmits, and distributes electricity. It is Canada’s largest electricity producer and ranks among the world’s largest producers of hydroelectric power. Its sole shareholder is the Government of Québec. By harnessing clean and renewable energy sources, the company contributes to Québec’s collective wealth while playing a central role in building a green and sustainable economy.   Link to the study

Contact:

Maryse Paquette
Director of Communications and Marketing, Nergica
mpaquette@nergica.com
+1 418 271-1001