Overview
Rapide-des-Cœurs is a 76 MW hydroelectric power plant in Quebec, Canada, operated by Hydro-Québec. It contributes to the province's clean energy grid.
Rapide-des-Cœurs is a hydroelectric power plant located in Quebec, Canada, with a capacity of 76 megawatts. Operated by Hydro-Québec, the facility is part of the province's extensive hydropower network, which provides reliable and renewable electricity to millions of residents and businesses. The plant uses hydroelectric technology, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. As a run-of-river or reservoir-based facility, it operates with low greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. The 76 MW capacity places it in the small-to-medium scale range for Canadian hydroelectric plants, which often exceed 1,000 MW at major installations. Rapide-des-Cœurs supports Quebec's energy independence and its commitment to reducing carbon emissions. By generating clean electricity, the plant helps displace fossil fuel generation and contributes to the stability of the regional grid. Its operation aligns with Canada's broader goals for sustainable energy development.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation has a low carbon footprint but can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The Rapide-des-Cœurs facility, located in a forested region of Quebec, operates under Canadian environmental regulations that require fish passage, flow management, and habitat protection measures. The plant's relatively small capacity minimizes its landscape footprint compared to larger dams.
Frequently asked questions
Rapide-des-Cœurs is located in Quebec, Canada, at coordinates 47.7866 N, -73.3753 W.
Rapide-des-Cœurs has a capacity of 76 megawatts (MW), making it a small-to-medium scale hydroelectric plant.
The plant is operated by Hydro-Québec, the state-owned utility that manages most of Quebec's hydroelectric generation.
Canadian hydroelectric plants must comply with federal and provincial laws, including the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, the Fisheries Act, and provincial water management regulations. These require environmental impact assessments, fish passage measures, and flow management.
As a hydroelectric plant, Rapide-des-Cœurs generates low-carbon electricity, supporting Canada's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It provides clean power to the Quebec grid, which is already over 90% hydroelectric.