Technological Evolution
Innovative strength powering the energy transition
The energy transition is based on adopting renewable energies, decarbonizing key sectors and integrating innovative technologies.
These changes require us to adapt our behaviour and work as one—governments, businesses and citizens alike—to ensure a smooth and sustainable transition.
Beyond the energy transition: Reshaping the energy world
Hydro‑Québec’s research centre has identified nine key research themes aligned with the company’s strategic priorities. These themes are structured around three main fields of focus:
1. Systems and energy uses
Overhauling the energy system’s architecture and rethinking its uses.
Main R&D activities
- Energy security, scenarios and roadmaps
- Customer behaviour
- Climate, weather and their impacts on the grid
- Techno-economic analysis for the transition to a fully decarbonized energy system
R&D outcomes
Data and models that inform corporate strategies and analyses for effective electrification, decarbonization, climate change adaptation, and helping society adjust to a changing energy landscape.
Main R&D activities
- Grid simulation (electromagnetic transient [EMT] and others)
- Integration of renewables and distributed energy resources
- Decision support for grid planning
- Advanced functions for grid operation
- Special protection schemes, power system control and protection
R&D outcomes
Tools, models, special protection schemes, power system control and protection, grid planning as well as operation strategies, all designed to maintain reliability and resilience in an increasingly vast and complex energy system.
Main R&D activities
- Integration of energy flexibility into the grid
- Energy use characterization and modelling
- Development of standards and guidelines for behind-the-meter (BTM) technologies
- Energy practices and behaviours
R&D outcomes
Strategies, specifications, models and energy flexibility standards designed to meet grid needs and based on customers’ net demand profiles.
2. Energy Assets
Adapting our assets, decisions and actions
Main R&D activities
- Asset management planning/strategies
- Asset management decision-making processes incorporating risk management, reliability and resilience
- Lifecycle activities (including reliability)
R&D outcomes
Optimized asset management through improved tools and methods.
Main R&D activities
- Asset condition perception, understanding and forecasting
- Failure mechanisms and diagnostic/prognostic strategies
- Equipment damage and degradation
- Asset monitoring and quality assurance
R&D outcomes
Digital models to continuously monitor and predict the condition/behaviour of critical and strategic assets, thus helping to maximize their value.
Main R&D activities
- Modernization and upgrading of existing assets
- Optimal integration of new energy management solutions
- Research on emerging generation methods and the related integration technologies
- Climate adaptation
R&D outcomes
Innovative technologies and new asset concepts that enhance service quality, increase capacity and support the decarbonization of the economy.
Main R&D activities
- Improvements to tools/processes (inspection, maintenance, repair, refurbishment, construction)
- Automation, robotics and commercial solutions adaptation
R&D outcomes
Technical means and methods through which we can act on our assets to optimize operational efficiency and energy system performance in a way that is both safe for all and environmentally responsible.
3. AI and digitalization
Accelerating AI adoption and infrastructure digitalization
Main R&D activities
- Situational awareness (Levels I, II and III)
- Observability (advanced measurement and communication technologies)
- Communications in hostile environments (electric and magnetic fields)
- Cybersecurity
R&D outcomes
Infrastructure and data processing capabilities that support effective monitoring of the energy system and its environment.
Main R&D activities
- Process automation, predictive analytics
- Data science
- Data processing performance
- Impacts of emerging quantum computing
R&D outcomes
Anticipation of data science/AI advances and the integration of disruptive technologies.
Have you heard of IREQ?
IREQ, Hydro‑Québec’s research institute, drives our innovative approach to the energy transition so that we can build the power system of the future.
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