Ensuring the long-term operability of our equipment

Increasing the capacity of existing generating stations

Meeting the growing demand for power is one of Hydro-Québec’s priorities. To that end, our Groupe –Infrastructures et système énergétique (GISE) division created a team to upgrade our facilities and maximize their potential. Its goal is to increase the capacity of certain generating units based on technical feasibility, long-term operability, environmental and community impacts, agreements with the community, our execution and supply capacity, as well as related costs.

Refurbishment of Outardes-2 generating station

As part of our efforts to upgrade our existing generating stations and increase their capacity, Hydro-Québec took steps in 2022 to prepare for the replacement of the Outardes-2 facility’s three generating units to and ensure the station’s continuing operability and increase its capacity. Preliminary work and consultations with the host community will take place over the next two years. Our goal is to maximize the economic benefits for the region.

Refurbishment of Bersimis-2

The Bersimis-2 development, one of Hydro-Québec’s pioneer facilities, is being renovated to ensure its continuing operability. The project includes work on the water intake, the five headgates and the auxiliary control and protection systems.

Some preliminary work was performed on the intake in the spring, prior to replacing the first headgate. During the station’s shutdown, special care was taken to ensure that sufficient water was released through the spillway to maintain the minimum ecological flow required for salmonfriendly conditions downstream. By 2026, all five headgates will have been replaced in turn.

Replacement of the station’s auxiliary systems also began, including those in the control room. The goal is to ensure the long-term operability of the Bersimis-2 development while maintaining public safety and hydropower generation levels.

The huge 150-tonne “tap,” used to disconnect a generating unit from its water intake pipes, was transported many kilometres by barge and truck before a 600-tonne crane finally set it on its base in the heart of Bersimis-2 generating station. Custom-made for Hydro-Québec, the behemoth’s move had to be planned down to the millimetre!

Romaine complex: Energy benefiting all Quebecers

On September 16, 2022, the last generating unit in Romaine-4 generating station was commissioned. The entire Romaine complex is now supplying its megawatts of renewable energy into the grid. The hydroelectric complex consists of four reservoir generating stations with a total installed capacity of 1,550 MW and annual output of 8 TWh. Its immediate spinoffs included the creation of an average of 1,000 jobs per year between 2009 and 2022, with 45% them going to regional workers.

Work starts to refurbish six units at Carillon

As a result of its proximity to Montréal’s northern suburbs, Carillon generating station plays an important role in managing Greater Montréal’s electricity consumption peaks. In winter, all available generating units are put into service to supply sufficient power for two daily peaks. To ensure the station’s long-term operability, the major upgrading work undertaken in summer 2021 will continue until 2027. The replacement of the first of the station’s 14 generating units got under way in spring 2022. The project also includes replacing the intake gates and their hoisting mechanisms, upgrading the electrical equipment and other related work. Approximately 200 people will be on the job at the height of the project. Commissioned in 1963, Carillon generating station was the first hydroelectric project to be overseen by French-speaking engineers.