Overview
High Falls (Lièvre) is a 114.1 MW hydroelectric power plant in Quebec, Canada, operated by Énergie La Lièvre Sec/Énergie Brookfield Inc. It generates renewable electricity from the Lièvre River.
High Falls (Lièvre) is a hydroelectric power plant located in Quebec, Canada, with a capacity of 114.1 MW. The facility is owned and operated by Énergie La Lièvre Sec/Énergie Brookfield Inc. and is classified as a medium-scale hydroelectric plant within Canada's extensive hydropower sector. As a hydroelectric facility, High Falls (Lièvre) uses the natural flow of the Lièvre River to generate electricity without direct fuel combustion. This technology has low operational emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. In Canada, hydroelectric power is regulated under provincial and federal environmental laws, including the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, which governs water management and fish habitat protection. The plant contributes to Quebec's clean energy grid, which is dominated by hydropower. Its operation supports regional electricity supply and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The facility's location in a forested area minimizes local air quality impacts, though water flow management can affect downstream ecosystems.
Environmental context
The plant's hydroelectric generation produces no direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions, offering a low-carbon energy source. However, the dam and reservoir can alter river flow and aquatic habitats. The facility is situated in a sparsely populated region, reducing local population exposure to any operational impacts. Regulatory oversight under Canadian environmental laws ensures mitigation measures for fish passage and water quality.
Frequently asked questions
High Falls (Lièvre) is located in Quebec, Canada, on the Lièvre River. The plant's coordinates are approximately 45.84° N, -75.65° W.
The hydroelectric plant has a capacity of 114.1 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale facility within Canada's hydropower fleet.
The plant is owned and operated by Énergie La Lièvre Sec/Énergie Brookfield Inc., a company involved in renewable energy generation.
Hydroelectric plants in Canada are subject to federal and provincial regulations, including the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and the Fisheries Act, which govern water management, fish habitat, and environmental assessments.
Hydroelectric power produces low direct emissions but can alter river ecosystems through dam construction and water flow changes. Mitigation measures such as fish ladders and minimum flow requirements are often implemented to reduce ecological impacts.