Total $40 million investment will support expansion of Hitachi Energy Canada, the country's sole producer of HVDC transformers
Today, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, announced a $40 million investment through the Strategic Response Fund (formerly Strategic Innovation Fund) in projects to expand Hitachi Energy Canada's transformer manufacturing facility in Varennes, Quebec; build a state-of-the-art test laboratory; and establish a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) simulation and collaboration centre at the company's headquarters in the St-Laurent borough of Montréal.
The Government of Canada is committed to making Canada the world's leading energy superpower in both clean and conventional energy. Investing strategically in the domestic manufacturing of clean energy technologies will make Canada more globally competitive, create well-paying jobs and secure long-term prosperity.
The Government of Canada's investment will significantly increase Hitachi Energy Canada's production capacity, secure the supply of vital grid components and position Canada as a leading hub for HVDC research and development. The expanded project is expected to create more than 500 high-skilled jobs, including additional student co-op placements, and generate significant opportunities for local suppliers, strengthening both economic benefits for Quebec and Canada.
With global demand for large power transformers at record highs and lead times reaching five years, investments like this are essential to maintaining reliable electricity transmission.
