Overview
Chutes à Thompson is a 9.9 MW hydroelectric power plant in Quebec, Canada, operated by Société d’énergie Rivière Franquelin Inc. The facility is operational and contributes to the region's renewable energy capacity.
Chutes à Thompson is a hydroelectric power plant located in Quebec, Canada, with a generating capacity of 9.9 megawatts. The facility is owned and operated by Société d’énergie Rivière Franquelin Inc and is currently operational. As a run-of-river hydroelectric plant, it harnesses the flow of the Franquelin River to produce clean electricity without significant water storage. The plant operates under Canada's federal and provincial regulatory frameworks, including the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and Quebec's Regulation respecting watercourses. Hydroelectric power is a dominant source of electricity in Quebec, where abundant water resources support a large fleet of hydro plants. The 9.9 MW capacity places Chutes à Thompson in the small-scale category, typical for run-of-river projects in the region. Environmentally, the plant provides low-carbon electricity to the local grid, displacing fossil fuel generation. Its operation has minimal greenhouse gas emissions and a small land footprint compared to thermal plants. The facility supports regional energy independence and contributes to Canada's renewable energy targets.
Environmental context
The plant uses hydroelectric power, a renewable energy source with low lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. Its location in Quebec, a province with extensive hydropower infrastructure, means the facility operates within a well-regulated environmental framework. The run-of-river design minimizes ecological disruption by avoiding large reservoirs. Proximity to the St. Lawrence River watershed requires careful management of water flows to protect aquatic habitats.
Frequently asked questions
Chutes à Thompson is located in Quebec, Canada, on the Franquelin River. The plant's coordinates are approximately 49.3083° N, -67.8600° W.
Chutes à Thompson has a generating capacity of 9.9 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
The plant is owned and operated by Société d’énergie Rivière Franquelin Inc, a company based in Quebec.
Hydroelectric plants in Canada must comply with the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) and provincial regulations such as Quebec's Regulation respecting watercourses. These laws govern water use, fish habitat protection, and emissions.
As a hydroelectric plant, Chutes à Thompson generates electricity without burning fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It supports Quebec's goal of producing clean energy and contributes to the provincial grid's high share of renewables.