Overview
Centrale Lefrançois is a 7.9 MW hydroelectric power plant in Quebec, Canada, operated by Innergex Inc. It contributes to the region's renewable energy capacity.
Centrale Lefrançois is a hydroelectric power plant located in Quebec, Canada, with an installed capacity of 7.9 MW. Owned and operated by Innergex Inc., the facility is part of Canada's extensive hydropower network, which provides a significant portion of the country's electricity. As a small-scale hydro plant, it supports local grid stability and renewable energy goals. The plant operates under Canada's federal and provincial regulatory frameworks, including the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and Quebec's environmental regulations. Hydroelectric power is a low-emission energy source, and facilities like Centrale Lefrançois benefit from long operational lifespans and minimal fuel costs. The technology typically involves run-of-river or reservoir-based generation, depending on site characteristics. Centrale Lefrançois plays a role in Quebec's clean energy mix, contributing to the province's target of 100% renewable electricity. Its operation by Innergex, a major renewable energy developer, underscores its integration into a broader portfolio of sustainable power projects. The plant's small capacity makes it suitable for local distribution without significant environmental disruption.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation has a low carbon footprint compared to fossil fuels, but can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. Centrale Lefrançois, with a capacity of 7.9 MW, is relatively small, likely minimizing ecological impact. The plant's location in Quebec, a region with abundant water resources, supports sustainable operation. Small hydro plants often integrate well into rural landscapes.
Frequently asked questions
Centrale Lefrançois is located in Quebec, Canada, at coordinates 46.4235° N, -72.9684° W.
Centrale Lefrançois has a capacity of 7.9 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
Centrale Lefrançois is owned and operated by Innergex Inc., a leading renewable energy company in Canada.
Hydroelectric plants in Canada must comply with the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and provincial regulations, such as Quebec's Environmental Quality Act, which govern water use, fish habitat, and emissions.
As a hydroelectric plant, Centrale Lefrançois generates electricity with zero direct CO2 emissions, supporting Canada's goal of increasing renewable energy share and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.