This is the first study evaluating the net GHG emissions from a reservoir taking into account the GHG emissions-absortion of natural environments (forests, peatlands, lakes and rivers) prior to the creation of a reservoir. Some 80 experts from Université du Québec à Montréal, McGill University and Environnement Illimité Inc. participated to the study between 2003 and 2009.

This synthesis is based on more than 100,000 measurements and several specific scientific articles written and published within the framework of the Eastmain-1 project.

For more information on the Eastmain-1 Net GHG project, please visit the project Web site: http://www.eastmain1.org/en/index.html

"Naturally, Hydro-Québec’s sustainability vision goes well beyond the strictly environmental issue. Our vision reflects our desire to understand stakeholders’ concerns and expectations so that we can better take them into account in our choices, decisions and actions. It also expresses our determination to ensure the company’s economic viability and contribute to Québec’s economic vitality, " said Stella Leney, General Manager – Environment and Corporate Affairs at Hydro-Québec.

Some 2011 highlights

Read the official Press release

Unfortunately, however, by claiming that reservoir hydro emission ranges are likely higher than those for at least some other renewable options, Synapse’s analysis contains a basic flaw by attempting to cherry-pick data from a recent study on emissions from the Eastmain 1 reservoir in Québec.

Synapse incorrectly assumes that emissions from the Eastmain 1 reservoir would average 158,000 tons of CO2e per year on a long-term basis over a period of 100 years. This figure is in fact the amount of emissions per TWh generated, but only referring to energy generated by the Eastmain-1 generating station.

For 93 of the 100 years in question, beginning in 2012, water from the Eastmain 1 reservoir will also run turbines at the Eastmain-1-A generating station, bringing total annual energy output up to 6.7 TWh. The corresponding GHG emissions would thus be approximately 54 tons CO2 equivalent per GWh.

Moreover, GHG emissions vary among generating station depending, among other factors, on the size of the reservoir and the energy generated. It is therefore inaccurate to extrapolate the findings related to a single generating station and apply these values to an entire hydropower production fleet. The GHG emissions from the energy generated by Hydro-Québec’s entire production fleet, composed of 60 generating stations of which more than two-thirds are run-of-the-river installations, average 10-20 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per GWh.

The facts on hydropower emissions, using a life-cycle analysis approach over a period of 100 years, are actually quite simple. Québec hydropower emissions are:
• similar to those from wind power
• only a quarter of those from photovoltaic solar facilities
• 40 times less than those from a gas-fired power plant
• about 100 times less than those from a coal-fired plant.

In addition to improving air quality – hydropower generation produces none of the pollutants responsible for acid rain and smog – exporting this clean, reliable source of electricity avoided the emission of 41 million metric tons of greenhouse gases in North America between 2008 and 2010. That’s roughly equal to the annual emissions from about 10 million vehicles.

The major environmental challenge facing North America is to replace coal to generate power and oil used in transportation. By supplying neighboring markets, notably in New England, with renewable, competitively priced and reliable energy, Hydro-Québec contributes to the fight against climate change and air pollution.

Alain Tremblay, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Environment Advisor
Hydro-Québec Production

While all electricity generation creates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, whether directly or indirectly, hydropower ranks as one of the lowest emission-generating options in Québec.

For 20 years, Hydro-Québec has been measuring gross GHG emissions at the surface of reservoirs and lakes. What’s more, we set up a research program at Eastmain-1 reservoir that went even further and calculated net GHG emissions, that is, emissions from the reservoir minus those from the natural environment. Some 80 experts from Université du Québec à Montréal, McGill University and Environnement Illimité Inc. analyzed over 100,000 scientific facts over the course of seven years for this unique study.

Their findings add to those of life-cycle studies of various power-generation methods, confirming that mean emissions from reservoir generating stations in Québec are :

• comparable to those produced by wind generation
• about a quarter of those from photovoltaic solar facilities
• a fortieth of those from gas-fired power plants
• a hundredth of those from coal-fired plants

A look at Québec’s enviable GHG record makes it clear that hydropower is actually a solution.

Alain Tremblay, PhD
Advisor – Aquatic Environment
Hydro-Québec Production

Powered with clean renewable energy, the charging stations will be available to the public in spring 2012.

The new Web site allows electric vehicle drivers to learn more about public charging stations. The site features a charging station locator service provided by Hydro-Québec.

This announcement was made at the Montréal International Auto Show, which officially opens January 13, 2012 at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal.

Watch the video on The Electric Circuit (in French only).

Read the officical Press release.

Two Hydro-Québec projects are in the top 5 of the list of 100 biggest infrastructure projects in Canada. The Romaine hydroelectric development ranks third, while the Eastmain-1-A/Sarcelle/Rupert project is at number five.

ReNew Canada magazine has just published the 2012 version of its annual report, The Top 100: Canada’s Biggest Infrastructure Projects. 

The report, which examines investments in various industry sectors, has become a national reference with regard to trends and data about Canadian infrastructure.

By sector, energy comes in first place with 41% of investments. Hydroelectric projects dominate, accounting for 70% of investments in the sector.

These 2012 infrastructure investments are projected to total some $114 billion, an increase of 18% over 2011.
To learn more about the Romaine project [In French only]

To learn more about the Eastmain-1-A/Sarcelle/Rupert

They are : Astral, boutique Mère et Mousses, collège Édouard-Montpetit, Bell, Résidence des Berges, Bombardier Transport, Entreprises Hamelin, Metro, Pratt & Whitney Canada and Sandoz Canada. 

Hydro-Québec has been overseeing three years of road tests to rate the performance of 30 i-MiEVs. The trials are designed to study charging needs, driving habits and driver satisfaction, as well as the interaction between the cars and the electric grid.

The initiative is in line with the 2011–2020 Action Plan for Electric Vehicles unveiled by the Québec government last April 7, 2011.

Read the official Press release.

Visit hydroquebec.com for details on electric transportation projects.

Over the years, this Hydro-Québec subsidiary has acquired unique expertise. Able to plan and manage several large-scale projects simultaneously, while respecting the environment, SEBJ has developed and promoted technological innovation in engineering and ensured procurement in remote areas.

SEBJ was prime contractor for the La Grande complex. Built in two phases from 1973 to 1996, the complex continues to supply over 50% of the electricity generated by Hydro-Québec. Early in the 21st century, SEBJ undertook the construction of Eastmain-1 generating station and is about to complete the Eastmain-1-A/Sarcelle/Rupert project.

The La Grande adventure
On April 30, 1971, Premier Robert Bourassa launched the “project of the century”, which led to the development of the La Grande complex. In December 1971, Société d'énergie de la Baie James (SEBJ) was established.

From 1971 to 1974, the James Bay highway, which stretches 620 km, was built between Matagami and La Grande-2 generating station. From 1974 to1979, a 660-km east-west road was also built, connecting the James Bay highway to Caniapiscau reservoir. 

The James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement (JBNQA) was signed on November 11, 1975. From then until 1993, some 15 agreements were signed with the Crees to increase cooperation and facilitate implementation of the initial agreement.

In February 2002, under the historic Paix des braves agreement, Hydro-Québec signed the Nadoshtin Agreement, which authorized the construction of Eastmain-1 generating station as defined out in the JBNQA, and the Boumhounan Agreement, which paved the way for the Eastmain-1-A/Sarcelle/Rupert project. In addition to their participation in construction work, for the very first time, the Crees were involved in every phase of the feasibility study and took part in environmental follow-up activities.

Phase I (1973-1985)
1973-1981: Construction of La Grande-2 generating station (renamed Robert-Bourassa in 1996), the world’s largest underground powerhouse.
1976-1985: Construction of La Grande-3 and La Grande-4 generating stations.

Phase II (1987-1996)
1987-1996: Construction of Brisay, Laforge-1, Laforge-2, La Grande-1 and La Grande-2-A generating stations.

The 2000s
2002-2006: Construction of Eastmain-1 powerhouse.
2007-2012: Construction of Eastmain-1-A and Sarcelle powerhouses.

The conference, running from November 28 to December 9, 2011, will bring together representatives of the world's governments, international organizations and civil society. The discussions will seek to advance, in a balanced fashion, the implementation of the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol, as well as the Bali Action Plan and the Cancun Agreements.

During the conference, the importance of developing clean and renewable energies, will be at the center of discussions.

Representatives from 194 countries are expected on site.

Official Web site

Understanding hydroelectricity