News > 2016 > HEC Montréal signs a scientific collaboration agreement with MIT and Ouranos

HEC Montréal signs a scientific collaboration agreement with MIT and Ouranos

August 31, 2016

The research project with MIT and Ouranos will analyze the economic impact of better integrating renewable energy in the Quebec and New England markets.

The primary goal of the research is to create a model simulating real-time electricity transmission decisions in the target regions. The findings will lead to better decision-making in optimizing electricity production and transmission.

“The objective is to improve the integration of renewable energy,” explains Full Professor Pierre-Olivier Pineau (Decision Sciences). “Wind energy, in particular, is produced only intermittently. In New England, this energy source is combined with natural-gas fired generating stations, whereas hydro-electricity could be used to complement wind power.”

“This partnership will also help us better understand the economic consequences of greater market integration,” says Assistant Professor Justin Caron (Applied Economics). “It will have costs and benefits for households and industry both in Quebec and in New England, and it’s important that we be able to anticipate them.”

The project has also received $100,000 in funding from Hydro-Québec. “Hydro-Québec is pleased to take part in developing an integrated energy policy model that will inform decision-makers on both sides of the border,” says Hydro-Québec President and CEO, Éric Martel.

The agreement was signed in Boston at a ceremony that was also attended by Premier Philippe Couillard.

(Left to right) Professor Pierre-Olivier Pineau, Chair in Energy Sector Management at HEC Montréal, Maria Zuber, MIT Vice-President for Research, Premier Philippe Couillard and Alain Bourque, Ouranos Executive Director.