Quebec wants to be Obama's go-to source for green energy

Quebec Energy Minister Claude Béchard is ordering Hydro-Québec to speed up construction of hydro dams now that the United States is expressing more interest in renewable energy under President Barack Obama.

The province is giving the utility an extra six months to update its strategic plan in order to address the increased demand for renewable energy expected to come from the U.S. under the new administration.

'They are more open to green energy, and we want to be one of their best clients.' — Quebec Energy Minister Claude Béchard

Quebec needs to be front and centre when the U.S. goes shopping for alternatives to oil and gas, Béchard said.

"They are more open to green energy, and we want to be one of their best clients," said Béchard.

"If, in the past, Alberta was a leader for energy in North America for the United States, in the future, with this new administration, we want to be number 1 with green energy."

Hydro-Québec had been scheduled to release its four-year strategic plan this month.

However, the original plan did not take into account changes in Washington's energy policy. It will now be released in August.

Béchard hopes the revised strategic plan will outline steps for speeding up construction of new hydro-electric installations, including the Eastmain 1-A project on Rupert River and the 1,550 megawatt Romaine River complex.

Quebec faces several obstacles in expanding its hydro production, including possible resistance by aboriginal communities in areas that would be affected by new power dams.

Quebec has also been in talks with Newfoundland and Labrador over development on rivers that cross the interprovincial boundary. Those talks are currently stalled.