The federal government is investing $40 million into projects aimed at “making Canada the world’s leading energy superpower in both clean and conventional energy.”
Canada committed the $40M through the Strategic Response Fund, formerly known as the Strategic Innovation Fund.
“Clean, reliable energy is at the centre of our government’s plan to position Canada as an energy superpower,” says Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.
Specifically, the $40M investment will help expand Hitachi Energy Canada’s transformer manufacturing facility in Quebec; build a state-of-the-art test laboratory; and establish a simulation and collaboration centre at the company’s headquarters in the St-Laurent borough of Montréal.
Transformers “are at the heart of the world’s energy systems,” according to Bruno Melles, who serves as Managing Director of Business Unit Transformers for Hitachi Energy Canada. “They enable the integration of renewables, the reliable flow of electricity across long distances, and the resilience of power grids in an era of rapid electrification.”
Hitachi “is the only company in North America that produces transformers of this magnitude,” says Christine Fréchette, Minister of Economy, Innovation, and Energy. “Drawing on a strong pool of Quebec expertise, it stands as one of the pillars of our energy security and will continue to be a leader in the green economy.”
The investment will increase Hitachi Energy Canada’s production capacity, secure the supply of vital grid components, and position Canada as a leading hub for HVDC research and development, according to Joly.
“Investing in our domestic advanced manufacturing and research capabilities, like those of Hitachi Energy Canada, will strengthen Canada’s energy sovereignty and create the jobs and expertise necessary to fortify our grid, which will power Canadian prosperity and economic resiliency,” the federal minister believes.
In addition, than 500 high-skilled jobs will be created, according to Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
“By supporting Hitachi Energy Canada’s expansion in Quebec, we are shoring up our domestic manufacturing capacity, securing the supply of critical grid technologies, and creating hundreds of well-paying jobs,” Hodgson stated.
“Projects like this are proof that Canada has the people, expertise, and ambition to be a true energy superpower, delivering reliable electricity to Canadians and clean power solutions to the world,” the minister added.
Carla Vicente, Country Managing Director for Hitachi Energy Canada, believes that her company’s “expertise in large power transformers is essential to meeting the growing demand for electricity,” and that Quebec is the place to do it from.
“With nearly half a billion dollars invested over the past two years, including financial support from the governments of Canada and Quebec, we are moving forward with a shared vision to make our Varennes plant the heart of clean energy in Canada,” she stated.
Hitachi Energy invested $270 million.