Romaine hydroelectric complexRomaine-1 generating station: major milestone reached

Hydro-Québec is pleased to announce the commissioning of the second generating unit at Romaine-1 generating station. Romaine-1 supplied its first megawatts on November 25, with the commissioning of the first generating unit, and the second unit began generating power as of Sunday, December 13.

Pierre Arcand, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister responsible for the Northern Plan and the Côte-Nord region, highlighted the importance of this project for Québec and for Côte-Nord: “The commissioning of the second generating unit adds 135 MW to Hydro-Québec’s generating capacity. Since the start of construction, the project has created significant economic spinoffs. I am delighted that close to $800 million in contracts were awarded to companies from the Côte-Nord region. “

Begun in April 2012, the Romaine-1 jobsite was the set of a world’s first: the assembly of a generating unit executed in under 12 months. In addition, the construction of all of the structures was completed eight months ahead of schedule.

“The commissioning of the second generating unit is timely for Hydro-Québec. In the coming weeks, the generating station will be put to the test as its output is used to meet Québec’s demand during winter peaks,” said Éric Martel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hydro-Québec.

The first generating station of the complex, Romaine-2, with its 640 MW of installed capacity, was commissioned at the end of 2014. Next in line are Romaine-3 and Romaine-4, slated to go into operation in 2017 and 2020 respectively. Once the project is completed, Hydro-Québec will have increased its installed capacity by 1,550 MW.

For information:

Marie-Elaine Deveault
Press Officer
Hydro-Quebec
514 289-4307