Facilities Study for solar, BESS, cogeneration, biomass, wind, and self-generation projects in Quebec

Hydro-Quebec Facilities Study

Hydro-Québec Facilities Study for Energy Generation Projects

The Facilities Study is an essential step in obtaining authorization to connect an electricity generation facility to Hydro-Québec’s distribution network. Whether your project is connected at low voltage (LV) or medium voltage (MV), a rigorous technical analysis is required to ensure compliance with Hydro-Québec’s requirements and to minimize the risk of delays or unforeseen costs.

At 3E Ing., we assist developers, independent power producers, industrial companies, institutions, and municipalities with the complete preparation of their Facilities Studies.

What is a Facilities Study?

The Facilities Study is a technical document prepared by an engineer that analyzes the integration of an electricity generation facility into the Hydro-Québec grid.

This study makes it possible, in particular, to:

  • Define the technical conditions for connection;
  • Assess the project’s impact on the power grid;
  • Determine the required protective measures;
  • Verify compliance with Hydro-Québec standards;
  • Prepare the documents required for project approval;
  • Facilitate commissioning and connection testing.

The study often serves as the primary technical reference document throughout the project’s lifecycle.

Types of projects covered

We conduct grid connection studies for:

Solar photovoltaic projects

  • Commercial and industrial solar power plants
  • Community solar farms
  • Self-generation with grid feed-in
  • Self-consumption with feed-in limitation

Energy storage systems (BESS)

  • Grid-connected batteries
  • Solar + storage hybrid systems
  • Energy arbitrage
  • Ancillary services

Industrial generation

  • Cogeneration
  • Grid-connected generators
  • Energy recovery
  • Generation from industrial processes

Renewable energy

  • Wind
  • Biomass
  • Biogas
  • Small-scale hydropower

Our Facilities Study services

Preliminary Project Analysis

We evaluate:

  • The proposed connection point;
  • The projected power;
  • The operating mode;
  • Grid constraints;
  • Applicable Hydro-Québec requirements.

Preparation of Technical Documentation

Our team produces:

  • Single-line diagrams;
  • Installation description;
  • Electrical architecture;
  • Technical equipment documentation;
  • Information required by Hydro-Québec.

Related electrical studies

Depending on the project’s needs, we also perform:

  • Short-circuit studies;
  • Protection coordination studies;
  • Harmonic studies;
  • Flicker studies;
  • Neutral system studies;
  • Earthing studies;
  • Transient overvoltage (TOV) analyses.

Support with Hydro-Québec

We assist our clients throughout the process:

  • Responses to requests for information;
  • File reviews;
  • Technical adjustments;
  • Support during communications with Hydro-Québec;
  • Commissioning assistance.

Why conduct a Facilities Study at the start of the project?

A study conducted early in the development process makes it possible to:

Reduce technical risks

Grid constraints are identified before major investments are made.

Avoid delays

Issues related to protection, power quality, or grid capacity are addressed early on.

Reduce connection costs

Optimizing the electrical architecture can significantly reduce the work required by Hydro-Québec.

Improve the project’s bankability

Investors and lenders often require technical validation of the connection.

Expertise in connecting distributed generation

Our team has expertise in:

  • LV and MV networks;
  • Decentralized generation;
  • Photovoltaic systems;
  • Energy storage (BESS);
  • Protection and control;
  • Power quality;
  • Hydro-Québec standards;
  • Technical compliance studies.

We are involved in every stage of the project, from pre-feasibility to commissioning.

Questions and Answers About Facilities Study

Is a connection study required?

For most generation projects connected to the Hydro-Québec grid, a connection study prepared and signed by an engineer is required.

When should the study begin?

As early as possible in the project’s development. A study conducted during the design phase helps avoid technical constraints that might otherwise be discovered too late.

How long does a connection study take?

The duration varies depending on the power output, the complexity of the project, and Hydro-Québec’s requirements. A timeline is established at the start of the project.

Do you conduct studies for solar and BESS projects?

Yes. Photovoltaic projects and energy storage systems now represent a significant portion of our projects.

Technical and Regulatory References

Our connection studies are conducted in accordance with the requirements and standards applicable in Quebec, as well as industry best practices.

Hydro-Québec

International Standards

Smart Grids and Distributed Energy Resources

The evolution of connection requirements is based in particular on the principles of the IEEE 1547 standard, which governs the performance, operation, testing, power quality, grid support functions, ride-through capabilities, and interoperability of distributed energy resources (DERs).

Request a Facilities Study

Are you developing a solar project, an energy storage system, a cogeneration plant, or an industrial self-generation project?

3E Ing. will assist you in preparing your Facilities Study and with all technical procedures involving Hydro-Québec.

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