As we learn that Hydro-Québec will run out of power two years earlier than expected, Energy Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon advocates cutting red tape to speed up the construction of dams and wind turbines.
“It takes 15 years to build a dam. That makes no sense in a beaver colony. In fact, in the 15 years, there are 10 years of paper and 5 years of concrete,” he said during a speech to the Council on International Relations of Montreal (CORIM) in Montreal on Friday.
“To produce wind power, currently at Hydro-Québec, it requires a ministerial decree, that is me. Administering a decree takes time. It lasts twelve weeks. “So why so many administrative procedures when we know we want wind power?” he wondered aloud.
“There are many administrative pitfalls, both in government and in the Régie [de l’énergie]than at Hydro,” he noted.
“Quebec will not be short of energy”
On Friday, Le Journal reported that Hydro-Québec will seek new supplies two years earlier than planned due to the battery sector and growing industrial needs and will have to increase its imports during winter peaks.
In the press crush after his speech, Energy Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon wanted to reassure people.
“Quebec will not be short of energy. There will be no shortage of energy in residential areas, hospitals and schools,” he emphasized.
“In addition, Michael Sabia’s plan includes additional dates and additional projects that will be realized by 2028,” he added.
An invoice soon
Earlier, he stressed to a business audience the importance of accelerating major projects, arguing that such delays had no place in the midst of a climate emergency.
“Governments and municipalities must begin to review their approach and modernize Hydro-Québec and the Régie [de l’énergie]“We will need an ambitious bill,” he emphasized.
Pierre Fitzgibbon hopes to submit it next February.
-In collaboration with Sylvain Larocque and Nicolas Lachance
Can you share information about this story?
Write to us or call us directly at 1 800-63SCOOP.