One of the purposes of retaining structures is to store water. Why build reservoirs to store water? Given that electricity consists of countless electrons in motion, it cannot be stored directly. However, storing water for future use allows utilities to meet the demand for electric power... demand that varies considerably according to the time of day and the season. We store wood in a dry place for the same reason: so we can burn logs when we need them.
Hydro-Québec owns 25 large reservoirs. Together, these huge man-made lakes have a maximum storage capacity of 170 billion kWh–the equivalent of Québec's electricity needs for an entire year.
Manicouagan reservoir
Originally a meteorite crater
Hydroelectricity and nature
Move your mouse over each point to find out the storage volume of the reservoir.
The ability to turn the tap on and off
Power trading, an exciting profession
In Québec, the demand for electricity is very high on cold winter days and drops significantly during the summer. To ensure a year-round supply of water for its generating units, Hydro-Québec must effectively manage its water resources, which includes analyzing the impact of precipitation and forecasting future requirements.
Manicouagan reservoir
Originally a meteorite crater
About 214 million years ago, a large asteroid fell to earth and created a huge ring-like formation now occupied by the Manicouagan reservoir. The origin of this unusual shape— a meteorite six kilometres in diameter—was determined only after the reservoir had been filled. The depression resembles craters found on the moon, and rock samples from the site are similar to those brought back by astronauts.
Hydroelectricity and Nature
Fish pass for migratory salmon
Hydroelectricity and Nature
Managing large bodies of water and harnessing all of a river's energy in harmony with people and nature requires in-depth knowledge of water resources and the environment.
Hydro-Québec is keenly aware of the environmental impacts of its projects. Consequently, the company spares no effort to preserve natural habitats, while developing environmentally friendly mitigation measures, such as the fish pass for migratory salmon shown here.
Power trading, an exciting profession
Hydro-Québec's brokers work around the clock to buy and sell energy at the most advantageous price. When they buy electricity at a low price, they allow generating stations with reservoirs to cut back production and store more water. When they sell electric power at a time when prices are high, for example during a summer heat wave to American customers, they optimize the profitability of Québec's hydroelectric facilities, since demand is comparatively low in Québec in the summer.
Hydro-Québec is keenly aware of the environmental impacts of its projects. Consequently, the company spares no effort to preserve natural habitats, while developing environmentally friendly mitigation measures, such as the fish pass for migratory salmon shown here.