Lac-Mégantic microgrid

Québec’s first life-size microgrid is deployed in the downtown area of Lac-Mégantic. For the first time on a community scale, Hydro-Québec implements the most advanced energy generation, storage and management technologies.

The Méganticois’s commitment to sustainable development and the municipality aspiration to become an energy transition leader led to a partnership agreement with Hydro-Québec, signed on February 23, 2018.

This inspiring and innovative project is a technological and social experience for Hydro-Québec, the municipality and the citizens. Thanks to the expertise gained in Lac-Mégantic, these technologies will be used in the off-grid systems (those not connected to the main Hydro%u2011Québec grid) that currently rely on fossil fuels. The objective: decrease greenhouse gases while ensuring a sustainable energy future for generations to come.

The microgrid comprises various interconnected components:

ENERGY GENERATION
Approximately 2,200 electricity-generating 800 kW solar panels are installed on the roofs of the following buildings: Mégantic Sports Centre, Le Concerto, Le Granit Regional County Municipality, and Service Canada Centre.

ENERGY STORAGE
Batteries able to store up to 1 MWh of energy.

ENERGY MANAGEMENT
Central monitoring system for better energy management.
Home automation devices.

The microgrid will also include:
Energy efficiency measures in Promenade Papineau’s stores and other buildings, including the ones to be constructed.
A charging station for electric vehicles.

Lac-Mégantic microgrid features:
It is connected to Hydro-Québec’s main grid and can function independently.
It allows two-way energy exchange.