735 kV Micoua-Saguenay Line: a 262 km Challenge
December 12, 2023
Hydro-Québec announces the commissioning of the new 735 kilovolt (kV) Micoua-Saguenay line which will contribute to the reliability of the electricity transmission network in Quebec. This new line will make it possible to meet the demand for electricity which will increase significantly in the coming years, as indicated in the 2035 Action Plan.
With a length of 262 km, this line connects the Micoua substation, located on the North Shore, to the Saguenay substation, in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean. Construction took place from 2019 to 2023 and is the result of the efforts of more than 1,600 workers, including nearly 25% from host regions, including indigenous communities. The cost of carrying out the project is $1,271 million.
The Micoua-Saguenay line project has generated major regional economic benefits. These were maximized by several initiatives and thus reached $81 million on the North Shore and $80 million in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean. These amounts include regional contracts and regional subcontracting which affect a wide variety of sectors of the local economy.
“I would like to salute the dedication of our teams and our suppliers, as well as the collaboration of our partners and host communities. It is the contribution of everyone that allowed us to meet the many challenges of this project and to bring it to a successful conclusion. Our ability to work together, prioritizing health and safety, has allowed us to deliver a new 735 kV high voltage line which will ensure the robustness of our transmission network for years to come,” emphasizes < a i=1>Claudine Bouchard, Executive Vice-President and Head of Operations and Infrastructure.
As part of its Integrated Development Program, Hydro-Québec also invested $5.8 million in 25 projects chosen by the host communities.
Highlights of the Micoua-Saguenay line project
- 262 km of line (116 km on the North Shore and 146 km in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean)
- 588 pylons
- 3,144 km of cables
- 26,765 tonnes of steel
