Overview
Grand-Mère is a 67 MW hydroelectric power plant in Quebec, Canada, operated by Hydro-Québec. It supplies renewable energy to the provincial grid.
Grand-Mère is a hydroelectric power plant located in Quebec, Canada, with a capacity of 67 MW. It is owned and operated by Hydro-Québec, the province's primary electric utility. The facility contributes to Quebec's extensive hydropower network, which is a cornerstone of the region's clean energy portfolio. As a hydroelectric facility, Grand-Mère operates without direct fuel combustion, resulting in minimal greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. The plant utilizes the natural flow of water to generate electricity, a technology well-established in Canada. Quebec's regulatory framework for hydropower includes environmental assessments and water management protocols to ensure sustainable operation. The plant plays a role in meeting local electricity demand and supporting grid stability. Its capacity places it in the small-to-medium range for hydroelectric plants in Canada. The facility's operation aligns with provincial goals for renewable energy and carbon reduction, contributing to the broader energy transition in the region.
Environmental context
As a hydroelectric plant, Grand-Mère has a low carbon footprint but may affect local aquatic ecosystems through water flow regulation and habitat alteration. The facility's location in Quebec, a province with abundant water resources, means it operates within a context of strict environmental oversight, including water use permits and fish passage requirements. The plant's relatively small capacity reduces its overall environmental impact compared to larger dams.
Frequently asked questions
Grand-Mère hydroelectric plant is located in Quebec, Canada, near the town of Grand-Mère on the Saint-Maurice River.
Grand-Mère has a generating capacity of 67 megawatts (MW), making it a small-to-medium sized hydroelectric facility.
Grand-Mère is owned and operated by Hydro-Québec, the provincial electric utility responsible for most of Quebec's power generation.
Hydroelectric plants in Canada are subject to federal and provincial environmental assessments, water management laws, and fish habitat protection regulations under the Fisheries Act.
Grand-Mère contributes to Quebec's predominantly renewable energy grid, which is over 99% hydroelectric, supporting low-carbon electricity supply and grid reliability.