Robert-Bourassa generating station
The Robert-Bourassa generating station, formerly known as La Grande-2 (LG-2), is a hydroelectric power station on the La Grande River that is part of Hydro-Québec's James Bay Project in Canada. The station can generate 5,616 MW and its 16 units were gradually commissioned between 1979 and 1981. Annual generation is in the vicinity of 26500 GWh.
| Robert-Bourassa generating station | |
|---|---|
| Official name | Centrale Robert-Bourassa |
| Location | Baie-James, Quebec, Canada |
| Coordinates | 53°47′43″N 77°26′26″W |
| Construction began | 1974 |
| Opening date | 1981 |
| Construction cost | C$3.8 billion (1987) |
| Owner(s) | Hydro-Québec |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | Embankment dam |
| Impounds | La Grande River |
| Height | 162 m (531 ft) |
| Length | 2,835 m (9,301 ft) |
| Width (crest) | 9 m (30 ft) |
| Spillway capacity | 17,600 m3/s (621,538 cu ft/s) |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Robert-Bourassa Reservoir |
| Total capacity | 61.7 km3 (50,000,000 acre⋅ft) |
| Surface area | 2,835 km2 (1,095 sq mi) |
| Power Station | |
| Hydraulic head | 137.2 m (450 ft) |
| Turbines | 16 × 351 MW Francis turbines |
| Installed capacity | 5,616 MW |
| Capacity factor | 63% |
| Annual generation | 31,000 GWh (110,000 TJ) |
| Sources: * Société d'énergie de la Baie James 1987, pp. 117–180, 370*Hydro-Québec, The La Grande Complex visitor booklet, 2004, ISBN 2-550-41276-1 | |
Together with the adjacent 2,106 MW La Grande-2-A generating station (LG-2-A), commissioned in 1991–1992, it uses the reservoir and dam system of the Robert-Bourassa Reservoir to generate electricity. The two plants taken together account for more than 20% of Hydro-Québec's total installed capacity of 36,810 MW in 2009. It is Canada's largest hydroelectric power station, ranks in 12th place on the list of largest hydroelectric power stations and is the world's largest underground power station.
Initially known as La Grande-2, it was renamed after Robert Bourassa who, as Premier of Quebec (1970–1976 and 1985–1994) gave the James Bay Project a vital political impetus.