June 16, 2026 — Hydro‑Québec and the Alliance de l’énergie de l’Est are taking another step forward in advancing the Wocawson area by selecting Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. (Innergex) to enter into exclusive negotiations toward establishing a partnership for the development of wind projects in this part of Eastern Québec.

This milestone is part of Hydro‑Québec’s Wind Development Strategy, which aims to add 10,000 MW of capacity by 2035 to meet growing electricity demand.

In this context, the development of the Wocawson wind power area is based on a partnership bringing together Hydro‑Québec, the Alliance de l’énergie de l’Est—which represents communities across Eastern Québec and the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation—and an industry partner. The objective is to develop competitive projects that are well integrated into their environment and create lasting value for the regions.

Innergex was selected following an open and rigorous market process that attracted several high-quality proposals. The selection was based on both qualitative and economic criteria, including experience, ability to deliver large-scale projects, workforce availability in Québec, and cost competitiveness.

Hydro‑Québec, the Alliance de l’énergie de l’Est and Innergex are now entering a negotiation phase with a view to reaching a partnership agreement. Any agreement remains subject to the outcome of these discussions. If successful, Innergex would join Hydro‑Québec and the Alliance as a partner in developing projects in the Wocawson area.

At the same time, Hydro‑Québec and the Alliance de l’énergie de l’Est are continuing their work with host communities to advance development of the Wocawson area, support the harmonious integration of potential projects, and generate tangible benefits for local communities.

A high-potential area in Eastern Québec

Located between the regional county municipalities (MRCs) of Kamouraska and Témiscouata, the Wocawson area includes, in particular, the unorganized territories of Petit‑Lac‑Sainte‑Anne and Picard, as well as parts of the municipalities of Mont‑Carmel and Saint‑Athanase. Covering approximately 700 km², it represents an estimated wind power potential of around 1,000 MW.

No projects have yet been confirmed in the area, and characterization work is ongoing. This includes installing masts to measure wind power potential this summer, carrying out environmental studies, and consulting with local communities.

Projects developed in the Wocawson area are expected to generate jobs, contracts for local businesses, and recurring revenues for communities and regional partners over several decades. These benefits will be defined progressively as projects are developed in collaboration with host communities. Initial commissioning is expected as of 2032.

About the Alliance de l’énergie de l’Est

Bringing together 209 communities and territories, from the Montmagny MRC to the Magdalen Islands, as well as the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation, the Alliance de l’énergie de l’Est ensures that Eastern Québec communities participate in renewable electricity generation projects on their territories.

The Alliance reflects a shared commitment by the region to take a leading role in its own development and to expand its participation in energy projects. It provides local communities with the means to achieve their ambitions while supporting better planning of land use and energy production and transmission infrastructure. The Alliance is currently a partner in four operating wind farms totaling 326.9 MW, as well as seven wind farms under development with power purchase agreements totaling 1,425.7 MW.

About Innergex

A Québec-based company majority-owned by La Caisse, Innergex has been developing and operating hydroelectric, wind, solar and battery storage facilities for more than 35 years. The company operates in Canada, the United States, France and Chile, and manages a significant portfolio of 90 high-quality operating assets with a total gross installed capacity of 4,424 MW. Innergex also holds interests in 18 projects under development totaling 1,959 MW, as well as a pipeline of prospective projects at various stages of development representing a total gross installed capacity of 12,433 MW. Its approach is based on close partnerships with local and Indigenous communities, with a focus on responsible growth and shared value creation.

About Hydro‑Québec and wind power development

In 2024, Hydro‑Québec unveiled its Wind Development Strategy, which aims to add more than 10,000 MW of capacity by 2035 to meet growing electricity needs. As part of this strategy, Hydro‑Québec acts as the lead developer of wind power in Québec, ensuring coordinated planning, integration of projects into the grid, and project delivery in collaboration with communities, Indigenous partners and industry players. This approach aims to develop competitive wind projects that are well integrated into their environment while maximizing economic benefits for Québec and its regions.

Media relations

Hydro‑Québec
(514) 289‑5005
1‑844‑289‑5005
relationsmedias@hydroquebec.com

Lou Landry
Alliance de l’énergie de l’Est
(581) 886‑3424
llandry@alliance-est.ca

Jade Lachapelle
Innergex
(438) 354‑1727
media@innergex.com

Wocawson area: A new step forward for partnership-based wind development in Eastern Québec