Nord-du-québec Potential La Grande capacity upgrades

The generating units in question are at the end of their useful life. Replacing these units with newer, more powerful equipment could allow Hydro‑Québec to better meet electricity demand during winter peaks (periods of intense cold) while maintaining safety and reliability at its generating stations. Watch the video about winter peaks to learn more.

These capacity upgrades are part of the overall goal of adding 2,000 MW of capacity by 2035 by optimizing existing generating stations—a key measure of Québec’s energy transition strategy.

Installing new generating units that are more efficient would increase the generating stations’ capacity to meet peak demand, that is, when everyone needs electricity at the same time. The energy production of each generating station over the course of a year would remain essentially the same and there would be no changes to specified minimum or maximum reservoir levels set out in the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement.

Ongoing studies predict capacity at Robert‑Bourassa, La Grande‑3 and La Grande‑4 generating stations would increase by a total of approximately 20% by 2041. Hydro‑Québec is continuing the necessary studies to precisely quantify the capacity increases that could result from the replacement of the generating units.

The figure below shows annual electricity consumption in Québec. The light bulbs represent the total annual energy needs, while the number of light bulbs in a given column represents the energy needs for a specific period, e.g., the power required for a given month. Power is needed to turn on all these bulbs at the same time, for example during winter peaks (outlined in orange in the figure below), the most critical periods when the entire production capacity of the generating station is mobilized simultaneously.

To learn more, watch the video The Difference Between Power and Energy.

No. The capacity increases do not involve building any new generating stations or doing any work on dams or dikes. They only involve replacing the generating units and the associated power equipment.

To find out more about the generating units, watch the video on the Robert-Bourassa underground generating station.

These generating stations were built pursuant to the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. The potential capacity increases are basically modifications to existing facilities and would therefore require modifications to the existing authorizations. There will be no modification to the existing maximum and minimum levels established in the JBNQA.

Hydro‑Québec and the Cree Nation established the Ayimihiituunaanuwich Joint Process to assess certain technical, environmental, social and cultural aspects of the potential capacity increases to Robert‑Bourassa, La Grande‑3 and La Grande‑4 generating stations. This process involves mandating a Technical Table to develop and implement an environmental study program, the purpose of which is provide an overview of the current natural and social environment and thus assess the scope and impacts of the potential capacity increases.

Approximately 125 additional workers will be required when work is at its height at each of the generating stations, Robert-Bourassa, La Grande‑3 and La Grande‑4 (in comparison to the roughly 4,000 workers needed to build a new generating station).

The Robert‑Bourassa generating station is near Radisson. For these workers, accommodation would be a hybrid arrangement consisting of rental units in local establishments and buildings. Hydro‑Québec is also assessing the possibility of adding a temporary dormitory.

La Grande‑3 and La Grande‑4 generating stations are located in remote areas. Workers there will be lodged at Lac‑Sakami (La Grande‑3) and Keyano (La Grande‑4) sites.

Hydro‑Québec is aware of the community’s concerns about the impacts on local hunting and fishing. Labour needs are currently estimated at 125 additional workers at the height of the work (in comparison to the roughly 4,000 workers needed to build a new generating station). For the moment, we believe the impacts on hunting and fishing will be minimal.

Hydro‑Québec is aware that road safety is a community concern and is developing mitigation measures to ensure user safety along the Billy Diamond Highway and the Route Transtaïga. The potential upgrade works will imply few oversized transports each year. Usual safety measures in these cases could involve prior public notices, escorts and signage.

Hydro‑Québec gives particular attention to the economic benefits of its operations and projects for the Cree communities and local population. There will be concerted efforts to identify economic spin‑off possibilities and means to achieve them with Crees and local stake holders.

Capacity increases at La Grande will support the Action Plan 2035: Towards a Decarbonized and Prosperous Québec, which charts the course for the energy transition. Beyond simply shifting from energy sources that pollute to clean energy sources, the transition is an opportunity to create lasting prosperity for all Quebecers.

The time has come to secure our energy independence while keeping supply costs affordable for future generations. This is a prime opportunity to develop new industries, propel young entrepreneurs into promising sectors and create stimulating jobs across Québec, particularly in energy infrastructure development.

To implement its Action Plan 2035, Hydro‑Québec has launched an ambitious energy efficiency pathway that will support the economy and collective well‑being. As well as helping customers cut their energy costs, energy efficiency measures will support the economy by creating over 5,000 new jobs across Québec. Three key initiatives will target all customer segments:

• A program offering Canadian smart thermometers at no cost to residential customers
• A partnership focused on exemplary building energy management practices for business and institutional customers
• Personalized support for industrial customers