EDF pushes deeper into Canada with long-awaited green light for Madawaska wind farm

For years, discussions about a massive wind farm in the Témiscouata region have taken place among officials, engineers, and locals. Now, after receiving approval from Quebec’s government, the Madawaska wind farm project is moving forward—from planning stages to actual construction with cranes, turbines, and concrete.

Approval and Project Overview

On February 22, 2026, the Quebec government granted approval for the Madawaska wind farm, a 274 MW onshore project located across the municipalities of Dégelis and Saint-Jean-de-la-Lande in the Témiscouata regional county. This project is being developed by EDF Power Solutions Canada, the Alliance de l’énergie de l’Est, and the Société de gestion éolienne de la Madawaska.

This approval is a significant milestone after years of environmental assessments, wind measurements, public consultations, and planning. The project will add 274 MW of clean energy to Quebec’s already green electricity grid, enough to power hundreds of thousands of homes through renewable sources.

Local Community Benefits and Financial Impact

The Madawaska wind farm is part of Quebec’s “Action Plan 2035 – Towards a Decarbonized and Prosperous Quebec,” which ensures that local communities benefit from renewable projects. Under the agreement, municipalities will receive around €5,700 per installed megawatt each year, with the amount adjusted for inflation.

With 274 MW planned, the total benefit will exceed €46 million over the project’s 30-year lifetime, with over €25 million directed towards the two host municipalities, Dégelis and Saint-Jean-de-la-Lande. These funds provide a predictable, long-term income stream without additional pressure on local residents. Furthermore, the Alliance de l’énergie de l’Est will redistribute another €181 million to 16 regional municipalities and the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation, broadening the financial impact of the project.

Potential Uses for Wind Farm Revenue

While the final spending plans are not yet decided, similar projects in Quebec have used wind farm revenue for a variety of local improvements. This includes upgrading infrastructure such as roads and water networks, building sports and cultural facilities, and supporting projects for housing and childcare. Additionally, local governments may use the funds to offer energy-efficiency grants or support youth training in technical and trades jobs.

For small municipalities, such revenue can provide a significant boost to long-term planning, giving councils the ability to plan for the next 20 to 30 years, rather than reacting to year-to-year budgets.

Construction Phase and Job Creation

Construction of the Madawaska wind farm is set to begin in January 2026 and continue through 2027. During this phase, approximately 300 jobs will be created, including positions for heavy equipment operators, civil engineers, electricians, and environmental monitors. Local businesses are also expected to benefit from contracts related to materials, road works, and logistics.

Once the wind farm is operational, around ten permanent jobs will be created for maintenance and operations, including roles for technicians and site managers. These high-quality jobs are particularly valuable in smaller communities where such opportunities may be scarce.

EDF’s Expanding Presence in Canada

EDF Renewables North America, operating as EDF Power Solutions Canada, has been steadily expanding its position in the Canadian renewables market. By the start of 2026, EDF controls approximately 1.9 GW of installed or under-construction wind and solar capacity in Canada, with an additional 4.2 GW in development.

Quebec and Ontario are key markets for EDF, providing a stable environment for large-scale renewable projects. The Madawaska wind farm strengthens EDF’s presence in Eastern Canada and contributes to the company’s longer-term ambitions in green hydrogen and offshore wind development along the Atlantic coast.

Canada’s Low-Carbon Grid and EDF’s Strategic Advantage

Canada’s electricity grid is one of the cleanest in the world, with nearly 80% of its power coming from non-emitting sources. Hydropower plays a dominant role, while wind and solar are gradually expanding. In Quebec, hydropower accounts for approximately 94% of electricity production, making it an ideal platform for further renewable energy development.

Quebec’s ultra-low-carbon grid allows companies like EDF to add more demand, from electric vehicles to data centers, without compromising on climate targets. The Madawaska wind farm will integrate smoothly into this grid, contributing to Canada’s transition towards a decarbonized energy system.

Addressing Local Concerns and Environmental Impact

No large wind farm project is without its challenges, and the Madawaska wind farm has faced questions regarding noise, visual impact, and effects on wildlife. However, Canadian and Quebec regulations require detailed environmental assessments, noise modeling, and monitoring of local wildlife. Adjustments to the project’s design, such as the siting of turbines and construction schedules, aim to minimize disruptions to wildlife and local communities.

While not all concerns can be completely mitigated, these adjustments help address local issues and ensure the project proceeds with minimal negative impact.

What Does 274 MW Mean for Madawaska?

The capacity of a wind farm is often measured in megawatts (MW), which indicates the maximum power the turbines can generate under ideal conditions. Madawaska’s 274 MW capacity means that it could generate up to 274 megawatt-hours (MWh) per hour, although the actual output will vary depending on wind speeds. With a typical capacity factor of 35-40% for onshore wind farms in Canada, Madawaska is expected to generate around 840,000 MWh per year, providing power for hundreds of thousands of homes.

Potential Risks and Opportunities Ahead

As with any large infrastructure project, there are risks associated with construction, including cost overruns, weather delays, and potential legal challenges. However, the Madawaska wind farm presents significant opportunities for Quebec, allowing the province to meet growing energy demand without relying on fossil fuels. For EDF, the project deepens its presence in Canada and strengthens relationships with Hydro-Québec and regional authorities as the province continues to invest in renewable energy projects through 2035.