State of knowledge on the vulnerability of Quebec’s renewable energy supply to climate change

Climate change is a growing challenge for the reliability of renewable energy supplies in Quebec. While hydroelectricity has been the subject of in-depth analysis, other sources—such as wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, and renewable natural gas (RNG)—remain largely unexplored, despite the central role they are expected to play in the province’s energy transition. These sources are exposed to a variety of climatic hazards, including changing wind patterns, heat waves, icing, droughts, floods, forest fires, and extreme weather events. These disruptions can affect energy production, infrastructure durability, operating costs, and worker health and safety.

The proposed project aims to establish an initial overview of knowledge on the vulnerability of Quebec’s renewable energy sectors to climate change and to identify levers for adaptation. It will be based on an exploratory review of scientific and gray literature, combined with an analysis of vulnerability indicators adapted to the Quebec context. Particular attention will be paid to identifying relevant climate hazards, characterizing vulnerabilities according to the different stages of the technology life cycle—from design to end of life—and identifying adaptation strategies developed internationally that can be transposed locally.

The results will provide an overview of the climate vulnerabilities of the sectors studied and highlight courses of action to strengthen their resilience. This work will help fill a significant gap in Quebec research and provide Ouranos and its partners with a decision-making tool to guide research priorities and support strategic planning in the energy sector.

In addition, the project will train a master’s student in climate vulnerability assessment methods and knowledge transfer, thereby contributing to the development of the next generation of scientists in the field of climate change adaptation.