Newfoundland and Labrador Churchill River Study and Hydroelectric Developments
In December 2024, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Hydro‑Québec signed an agreement in principle for the generation of hydroelectricity in Labrador. This is an historic opportunity for prosperity through jobs, economic growth and access to new, clean energy.
Project partners
A project with four components
Gull Island Power Plant
Construction of a new 2,250 MW power plant by the Société d’énergie de la Baie James (SEBJ), a subsidiary of Hydro‑Québec, with commissioning planned for 2034.
Extension of the Churchill Falls Power Plant
Extension of the Churchill Falls Power Plant to produce an additional 1,100 MW, by the Société d’énergie de la Baie James (SEBJ), with commissioning planned for 2035.
Increase in Power at the Churchill Falls Power Plant
Upgrades to the 11 turbine‑generator units by Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, with an added capacity of approximately 550 MW.
Electricity transmission
Projects involving transmission lines and transformer substations in Newfoundland and Labrador and in Québec to integrate generation into the grids.
Studies planned for Labrador in 2025
Hydro‑Québec will be carrying out studies in the summer and fall of 2025, collecting and analyzing technical and environmental data. This work will help us better understand the sites and inform project planning, including the planning for the temporary installations we will need during construction, such as camps and access roads.
Hydro‑Québec’s activities in Labrador will be carried out through its subsidiary, Société de l’énergie de la Baie James or SEBJ. Two firms, one environmental and one engineering will coordinate the studies.
Information on work and business opportunities will be posted here as soon as it’s available.
Business opportunities
We build business relationships with our suppliers that are based on collaboration and that contribute to collective wealth. Hydro‑Québec and its subsidiary, SEBJ, are mindful of generating jobs and contracts in Labrador, ensuring local suppliers have a full and fair opportunity to benefit from the project.
Procurement policy
We adhere to best business and management practices. We aim to:
- Provide full and fair opportunities to local suppliers and contractors.
- Plan to incorporate existing agreements and commitments in work execution.
- Ensure 100% commitment by all partners to their underlying principles.
- Optimize benefits for local communities.
- Share information in a respectful, open, and timely manner.
- Listen and respond to issues important to residents and communities.
- Engage respectfully with Indigenous Governments and Communities.
- Uphold the highest standards of environmental protection and stewardship of the land.
More information on the SEBJ including the Supplier Code of Conduct is available at:
Next steps
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Summer and fall 2025
Technical and environmental studies in Labrador
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Before April 2026
Final agreement among the parties
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2026
Start of construction of Gull Island temporary installations (workcamp, access road, etc.)
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2027
Start of construction of Gull Island facility
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2029
Start of construction of the extension of the Churchill Falls plant
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2030
Start of construction of power transmission facilities
To reach us
Please send us your questions and comments about the project.
Toll-free line: 1 833 352‑3113
Churchill River Study and Hydroelectric Development
Stay informed on the various stages of the project, the progress of work and business opportunities.