| New projects


Côte-Nord! The inauguration of the Romaine complex is the result of a massive undertaking, driven by the belief and the dedication of the people of the Côte- Nord region. “Today, the people of the region are immensely


proud. The economic spin-offs generated by the construction of these new generating facilities have been remarkable, and now the power generated in the Côte-Nord is contributing to the energy transition, as well as the Québec economy.” Michael Sabia, President and CEO of Hydro-Québec, acknowledged the project’s significant contribution to the province’s energy transition and highlights the collaboration, innovation, and positive impact of the project. He said: “It plays an important part in a major energy transition, which is at the heart of the creation of a greener economy and a more prosperous society. I would like to thanks the thousands of workers, the Indigenous communities and the Minganois for their immense contribution, their sense of innovation and collaboration.” Meggie Richard, Prefect of the MRC of Minganie,


expressed appreciation for the work done to bring the complex to fruition, particularly recognizing the contributions of the Minganois and the people of the Côte-Nord: “I salute the work of all those who endeavoured to bring this massive complex to fruition, and particularly the contribution of the Minganois and people of the Côte-Nord. The Romaine complex demonstrates the immense potential of the region of Minganie. In addition to the economic spinoffs during the construction phase, the MRC of Minganie recognizes the importance of the 70 permanent jobs created in connection with La Romaine in Havre-Saint- Pierre, and is proud to have participated in this major project.”


Four stations In a remote location, the Romaine complex presented


unique challenges, which led the project team to employ innovative solutions such as prefabrication and three-dimensional modelling to keep the project on track. The electricity generated by the Romaine complex is set to integrate into the Hydro-Québec grid through new transmission lines and switchyards built at the generating stations. The 1550MW capacity is being delivered by the four stations:


Romaine-1 Power Station (Commissioned: 2015, Installed Power: 270MW): This station features an ecological reserved flow downstream that is carefully modulated to accommodate the needs of Atlantic salmon, demonstrating the project’s dedication to environmental stewardship. Romaine-2 Power Station (Commissioned: 2014, Installed Power: 640MW): Romaine-2 stands out as the most potent power plant in the complex, further emphasizing the magnitude of the Romaine endeavor.


Romaine-3 Power Station (Commissioned: 2017, Installed Power: 395MW): This station is notable for being the second dam at the height of the complex, following the impressive Romaine-2. Romaine-4 Power Station (Commissioning: 2022, Installed Power: 245MW): The largest reservoir in the complex is found here, covering an expansive area of 142.2 square kilometers.


Contractors involved Alstom supplied the Francis turbine and generator sets


for the Romaine-2 and the Romaine-3 facilities under two separate contracts worth £46 million ($70 million) and £59 million ($90 million) awarded in March 2010 and July 2013, respectively. Voith supplied two 135MW Francis turbine-generator sets for the Romaine-1 hydroelectric power station. AECOM was engaged to provide detailed engineering and technical support services for the four power stations of the Romaine hydroelectric complex. The other contractors involved in the project include Pomerleau and EBC, while CRH supplied cement for the concrete works for the project.


Top: Overview of the layout of Romaine 3


Middle: Embankment and rockfill dam and Romaine-3 flood spillway. The dam is 428m long and 95m high


Bottom: Romaine 4 power plant construction site in the evening. The power plant has two turbine-generator groups and its commissioning took place in 2022


www.waterpowermagazine.com | November 2023 | 35


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