Quebec Wind Project Powers Green Goals and Local Economies

MONTRÉAL, QC – April 15, 2026 – A major new renewable energy project in Quebec’s Chaudière-Appalaches region is moving forward, promising to deliver a significant injection of clean power to the provincial grid and substantial economic benefits to Eastern Quebec. EDF solutions électriques and Alliance de l'énergie de l'Est announced today the successful financial closing for the 185.6-megawatt (MW) Forêt Domaniale Wind project.

This critical milestone, following a government decree issued in February 2026 authorizing the project, secures the necessary capital to begin full-scale construction. Set to become operational in late 2027, the wind farm represents a key step in Quebec’s decarbonization strategy and highlights a powerful partnership model between an international energy developer and local communities.

A New Blueprint for Community-Centric Energy

At the heart of the Forêt Domaniale project is a unique and equitable partnership. The project is a 50/50 joint venture between EDF solutions électriques, the Canadian entity of EDF power solutions North America, and the Alliance de l'énergie de l'Est. The Alliance is a formidable regional consortium representing 209 communities and territories, including the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation, ensuring that the project's success is intrinsically tied to the prosperity of the region it inhabits.

This structure translates into direct, long-term financial returns for the local population. Over the project's 30-year lifespan, an estimated CAD $198 million in net distributions will be shared among the 15 member communities of the Alliance, the Magdalen Islands Maritime Community, and the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation. These funds provide a vital source of revenue for investment in local infrastructure, social programs, and other community-driven initiatives.

In addition to this revenue sharing, the four host municipalities—Cap-Saint-Ignace, Notre-Dame-du-Rosaire, Sainte-Apolline-de-Patton, and Montmagny—will receive direct annual payments totaling more than CAD $30 million over three decades. The project is also a significant engine for job creation, generating over 250 jobs during the construction phase and creating five permanent positions for ongoing operations and maintenance.

Michel Lagacé, President of Alliance de l'énergie de l'Est, emphasized the project's multifaceted importance. “I would like to emphasize our gratitude toward our financial partners, who clearly recognize the importance of a project of this kind,” he stated. “The completion of a project like Forêt Domaniale is significant for Quebec—and particularly for Eastern Quebec— environmentally, socially, and economically.”

Securing the Green Future: The Financial Backbone

The project's transition from planning to construction was made possible by securing a robust financing package from a consortium of leading financial institutions. The group of lead arrangers includes Desjardins Group, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), National Bank of Canada, Germany’s KfW IPEX-Bank, and Japan’s MUFG. Desjardins Group also acted as the administrative agent for the transaction.

Significantly, the financing is structured in accordance with the Green Loan Principles, a rigorous international framework designed to ensure that borrowed funds are used for projects with clear environmental benefits. Desjardins, CIBC, National Bank, and MUFG acted as coordinators for the application of these principles, adding a layer of transparency and accountability to the project's environmental credentials. This adherence sets a powerful precedent for how large-scale renewable infrastructure can be financed responsibly in Canada, attracting capital that is increasingly focused on sustainable outcomes.

Amy Lloyd, CFO of EDF power solutions North America, commented on the financial milestone's significance. "Closing this financing reflects both the economic strength and strategic significance of the Forêt Domaniale Wind project in advancing Quebec's clean energy future, as well as the value of our ongoing partnership with local communities," Lloyd said. "We are deeply thankful to our financial partners whose commitment has enabled us to move confidently into the construction phase."

Powering Quebec's Decarbonization Drive

The Forêt Domaniale project is a direct response to Hydro-Québec's strategic need for new sources of clean energy. It was one of six projects selected following a competitive call for tenders launched by the provincial utility in 2021 to add nearly 1,200 MW of wind power to its network. The project will feed its entire output into the grid under a 30-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), providing a stable and predictable source of low-carbon electricity for decades.

The wind farm itself will consist of 30 state-of-the-art Vestas wind turbines—28 units with a 6.2 MW capacity and two with a 6.0 MW capacity. To integrate this new power source, Hydro-Québec will construct a new 7-kilometer, 230-kilovolt transmission line connecting the project’s substation in Montmagny to the main provincial grid. The project not only contributes to the province's energy capacity but also strengthens the grid's resilience and diversity.

This new capacity is crucial for Quebec as it pursues ambitious decarbonization targets and seeks to electrify more sectors of its economy, from transportation to industrial heating. By leveraging its powerful wind resources, the province continues to build on its legacy as a leader in clean energy, complementing its vast hydroelectric system.

EDF's Strategic Expansion in North America

For EDF power solutions North America, an affiliate of the global energy giant EDF Group, the Forêt Domaniale project is a key achievement in its continental growth strategy. With a portfolio of 26 gigawatts of developed projects across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the company is a major player in the continent's energy transition. This project solidifies its position in the competitive Canadian market and showcases its effective partnership-based development model.

By embracing an equal partnership with the Alliance de l'énergie de l'Est, EDF has created a replicable model for developing large-scale infrastructure projects that align developer goals with community interests. This collaborative approach helps navigate complex regional dynamics and ensures a 'social license to operate,' which is increasingly critical for project success.

With preparatory work underway since January 2026 and financing now secured, the project partners are committed to working with local businesses and suppliers throughout the construction process. This commitment ensures the economic benefits of the construction phase are maximized within the region, creating a sustainable development legacy that extends far beyond the production of clean energy.