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Press Release – The Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles and Nergica Are Building One of Quebec’s First Net-Positive Energy Buildings
Gaspé, February 9, 2024. – The Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles and the Nergica College Technology Transfer Center (CCTT) are proud to announce the construction of a new building with financial support from the Government of Quebec. Inspired by best environmental practices, this building will be one of the first in Quebec to be energy-positive, or “net-positive”: it will generate more electricity annually than it consumes, thanks to solar panels and strategic choices in design and materials. This project reinforces Nergica’s central role in Quebec’s energy transition.
The new building, which will actually be an extension of the current Polytechnic Pavilion, will be dedicated to Nergica. “This project will not only free up space for training programs but also allow us to feed excess energy generated by the new building back into the Gaspé campus grid at certain times of the year. Together, we are carrying out a project that aligns with both Nergica’s values and the Cégep’s commitment to contributing to the region’s ecological transition, as outlined in our strategic plan,” said Yolaine Arseneau, director of the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles.
Nergica is committed to creating an innovative work environment that fosters the growth of young talent and staff, and promotes creativity and the emergence of new ideas in the renewable energy sector. “This new building, a symbol of innovation, will enhance Nergica’s ability to drive innovation in renewable energy. We are deeply grateful to the Government of Quebec for its ongoing support, which enables Nergica, the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles, and all of Quebec to take a leadership role in the energy transition we must achieve to limit climate change. ” explains Frédéric Côté, CEO of Nergica.
The total cost of the project is estimated at just over $11.9 million. The Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Energy is contributing $10.7 million, and Nergica is investing $1.2 million. The funds will be used to construct a state-of-the-art building featuring research facilities, workshops, collaborative spaces, and new offices. Construction is scheduled to begin next June and will continue through August 2025.
About Nergica
Nergica is an applied research center that drives innovation in renewable energy through research, technical assistance, technology transfer, and support for businesses and communities. In practical terms, Nergica is a nonprofit organization led by a team of passionate experts and equipped with natural-environment research infrastructure that is unique in Canada. Deeply rooted in the applied research networks of Quebec and Canada, Nergica maintains close collaborations with industry stakeholders, research centers, international organizations, project sponsors, developers, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
About the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles
As the region’s only institution of higher education, the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles consists of four campuses and a national school. It offers pre-university, technical, and vocational programs. The Cégep stands out for the quality of its education in an exceptional environment, the diversity of its programs, its research activities, its continuing education offerings, and its international outreach.
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Information
Maryse Paquette, Director of Marketing and Communications, Nergica
418-271-1001
Sarah Gonthier, Communications Advisor, Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles
581 886-0737
