Diesel, solar, and battery microgrid: Hydro-Quebec Remote Communities in Nunavik (Quaqtaq)

Strategic Area

Smart Grid and Energy Storage

Status

Complete

Fund

Green Infrastructure

Year

2020

GI Contribution

$ 1,375,301

Project Total

$ 3,594,149

Location

Quaqtaq, QC

Find out more

Hydro-Québec

Lead Proponent

Hydro-Québec

Project Background

In Nunavik, a region located in northern Québec, nearly all the electricity is generated from diesel, a non-renewable source that produces a significant amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

This technology demonstration program in the village of Quaqtaq involved deploying a microgrid with solar PV panels and battery energy storage units to complement the current diesel power generation output. The project’s aims were to upgrade current equipment, maximize the integration of renewable energies to current production, reduce GHG emissions, and foster local energy generation projects by developing compatible IT infrastructure.

Energy security is an important issue for the communities of Nunavik and others further south that are not connected to Hydro-Québec’s main grid. The lessons learned from this demonstration program could prove beneficial to the energy transition and decarbonization efforts of these communities.

Results

The project has made possible to:

• Test the deployment of our first centralized energy storage system in Nunavik. We gained a better understanding of the daily use of this type of system in northern conditions, and we plan to use the lessons learned in future deployments.
• Upgrade Quaqtaq’s power plant automations to allow greater integration of renewable energy technologies.
• Better understand the challenges associated with installing and operating solar panels technology in a northern village. The data collected has already been integrated into our analysis models for new projects.
• Further the development of advanced controls for our diesel power plant and future renewable energy power projects. The progress made has led to the publication of a scientific paper.

Benefits to Canada

• Progress in microgrid expertise that is transferable to other remote communities across the province and elsewhere in Canada.
• A cutting-edge technology showcase that will position Canada as an innovation leader in energy quality, cost, and energy security for off-grid communities.
• Training of highly qualified personnel.
• Reductions in environmental impact reductions, namely GHGs.
• Fostering of business opportunities for local communities to get involved in renewable power generation projects.

Next Steps

• Hydro-Québec will continue developing renewable energy integration advanced control systems.
• Renewable energy purchase agreements negotiations are underway with Tarquti, our regional partner.
• The culmination of this project would be the decarbonization of Nunavik, with more diesel replaced by Inuit-owned renewable power generation.