The Romaine Complex: Clean Energy for the Next Century
November 3, 2023
Hydro-Québec inaugurates the Romaine complex, its largest hydroelectric complex since Baie-James.
Its four generating stations have now all been commissioned. The complex has an installed capacity of 1,550 MW and annual energy output of 8 TWh—enough to supply 470,000 households. Its energy is clean, renewable and available on demand, and contributes directly to Québec’s prosperity and decarbonization.
The construction of the Romaine complex stretched from 2009 to 2023—a remarkably short timeframe for such a large project. It’s thanks to rigorous management and innovations deployed on the jobsite that Hydro-Québec was able to accomplish such a feat at a highly competitive price. The project cost $7.4 billion, or 14% less than the initial estimate.
The resale price of 6.4 cents per kilowatthour is also highly advantageous, especially given that the Romaine provides both energy and capacity—making it possible to balance variable generation from other renewable sources, such as wind and sun.
“The Romaine project was unfortunately marked by the death of four workers. These accidents led Hydro-Québec to thoroughly review and strengthen its health and safety practices. Today, as we inaugurate the complex, our thoughts turn to our dearly departed colleagues and their families. We also take this moment to renew our commitment to keeping health and safety a top priority,” said Hydro Quebec via press release.
The completion of the Romaine complex would not have been possible without the contribution of all the men and women who worked there. In addition, the close collaboration of the Innu and Minganois communities enabled us to adapt our practices to the realities of this vast territory.
Quotes:
“I am very proud to inaugurate the Romaine facilities, the largest hydropower complex since Baie-James, and a monument to Québec engineering. This project is essential for our energy future, allowing us to meet Québec’s industrial needs for the next 100 years! I am especially proud that this project was carried out in partnership with the Innu nation, two great forces working together.
“Another source of pride is Hydro-Québec’s expertise and its standing as a global leader in hydroelectricity. Thanks to visionaries Jean Lesage, René Lévesque and Robert Bourassa, Québec chose hydroelectricity, clean energy that puts us way out in front for the energy transition. We need to capitalize on this strength to create more wealth while emitting less GHGs.”
– François Legault, Premier of Québec
“Investing in hydroelectricity and the electrification of our economy is crucial for meeting our decarbonization goals. La Romaine is a symbol of what Québec can accomplish when we are bold and ambitious.”
– Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy
“Incredibly proud of this partnership! The First Nations and Inuit are those who see the first signs of climate change. Clean energy sources must be developed hand in hand with the Indigenous communities. Together, our great nations will succeed in decarbonizing Québec.”
– Ian Lafrenière, Minister Responsible for Relations with the First Nations and the Inuit
“Today is a historic day for the Côte-Nord! The inauguration of the Romaine complex is the result of a massive undertaking, driven by the belief and the dedication of the people of the Côte-Nord region. Today, the people of the region are immensely proud. The economic spin-offs generated by the construction of these new generating facilities have been remarkable, and now the power generated in the Côte-Nord is contributing to the energy transition, as well as the Québec economy.”
– Kateri Champagne Jourdain, Minister of Employment, Minister responsible for the Côte-Nord Region and MNA for Duplessis
“The Romaine complex is an invaluable legacy for Québec society. It plays an important part in a major energy transition, which is at the heart of the creation of a greener economy and a more prosperous society. I would like to thanks the thousands of workers, the Indigenous communities and the Minganois for their immense contribution, their sense of innovation and collaboration.”
– Michael Sabia, President and CEO, Hydro-Québec
“I salute the work of all those who endeavoured to bring this massive complex to fruition, and particularly the contribution of the Minganois and people of the Côte-Nord. The Romaine complex demonstrates the immense potential of the region of Minganie. In addition to the economic spinoffs during the construction phase, the MRC of Minganie recognizes the importance of the 70 permanent jobs created in connection with La Romaine in Havre-Saint-Pierre, and is proud to have participated in this major project.”
– Meggie Richard, Prefect of the MRC of Minganie
Highlights:
- The project generated economic spinoffs of $5.5 billion for Québec, including $1.4 billion for the region.
- Mitigation measures were implemented, including the creation of 60 hectares of new wetlands and the seeding of Atlantic salmon, lake trout and landlocked salmon.
- Environmental follow-ups will continue through to 2040 in collaboration with local partners.
