British startup Awendio Solaris is drafting plans for a solar cell and panel factory and a global R and D centre in Montreal-Est, with spending up to C$1 billion.
The first phase targets annual capacity of up to 2,500 megawatts, scalable to 5,000 megawatts. Production would focus on North American utilities and developers, using n‑TOPCon cell technology.
“Our intention is to invest C$1 billion to develop a solar cell and module manufacturing facility and global R and D centre in Montreal-Est,” Awendio Solaris said, in an English version of the company’s statement released Wednesday.
Power and financing still to secure
Project timing depends on two big pieces, power and financing. Awendio Solaris says it is working with Hydro‑Québec on site selection and grid connection while it advances permits and funding. For now, progress hinges on power and financing commitments in Quebec.
Hydro‑Québec has begun publishing system capacity maps to guide large loads and says it will launch another wind tender in spring 2026 to add supply, part of its Action Plan 2035. The utility framed the new mapping as a way to give developers “more predictability,” in an update on December 11, 2025, that included a fresh call for wind power and details on areas with available transmission capacity.
Awendio Solaris set out an early timeline and partners. The developer is working with Broccolini on development and delivery, with engineering support from Germany’s RCT Solutions and Montreal‑based AtkinsRéalis.
Three First Nations, the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach, the Wendat Nation, and the Kanien’kehá:ka of Kahnawà:ke, have agreed to join as investor partners.
“We are targeting financial close by the end of Q1 2026,” Awendio Solaris said, adding that construction is anticipated to start in the second quarter of 2026 and volume production in 2028.
Ottawa incentives bolster manufacturing case
The federal Clean Technology Manufacturing investment tax credit offers a refundable credit of up to 30 per cent on eligible machinery and equipment acquired and available for use from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2031.
The measure, legislated through Budget 2024 implementation, is designed to support domestic manufacturing of clean technologies, including solar equipment and upstream components. For a multi‑gigawatt cell and module line, that credit could materially lower upfront capital costs, though eligibility depends on corporate structure, asset class, and in‑service dates.
Quebec’s pitch remains access to low‑emission hydro power, skilled labour, and an industrial base in Greater Montreal. Hydro‑Québec’s planning signals stronger scrutiny of new large industrial loads and a build‑out of generation and transmission this decade.
That effort includes capacity additions and better visibility on where the grid can take new plants, a factor that will shape site choice and schedule for Montreal‑East. If Awendio Solaris reaches financial close on time, the project would add a new Canadian link in the North American solar supply chain as utility‑scale solar expands on both sides of the border.
