GE Vernova Inc. announced it has received an order from Rio Tinto to upgrade eight turbine-alternator units at the Isle Maligne hydropower plant in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec. The plant has twelve Francis-type hydropower units and is nearly 100 years old.
The upgrade is expected to improve the performance and extend the life of the units. The modernized facility will continue to provide power to Rio Tinto’s five low-carbon aluminum smelters in the region.
In a previous agreement, GE Vernova modernised one generator at the plant. Based on that work, Rio Tinto and GE Vernova agreed to move forward with upgrading eight more units under a longer-term plan. This approach is intended to allow better coordination, improve project scheduling, lower costs, and secure necessary supplies. The first unit is scheduled for modernization in 2026, with the final unit expected to be completed by 2032.
The two companies have worked together before on other hydropower plants in Quebec, including Shipshaw.
Sébastien Ross, Managing Director for Atlantic Operations, Rio Tinto Aluminium, said: “The Isle-Maligne hydroelectric power plant has been a strategic asset for Rio Tinto for 100 years, drawing on the expertise and dedication of multiple generations of employees and business partners. This major investment to modernise our facilities will ensure the long-term future and competitivity of our low carbon aluminium production in Quebec for decades to come for our Canadian and American customers.’’
Frederic Ribieras, Hydro Power CEO at GE Vernova, said: “This modernization project at the Isle Maligne plant is a testament of how we can achieve greater efficiency and performance without altering the core infrastructure. And, this long-term collaboration will be critical to help secure the supply chain in a capacity-constrained market, with pressure on the industry to execute on many projects.”
Hydropower supplies about 60% of Canada’s electricity. While the country’s energy system is among the least carbon intensive in the world, its hydropower plants are on average 53 years old. Demand for electricity in Canada is expected to double by 2050, making modernization of existing infrastructure a key part of meeting future power needs.
GE Vernova has more than 2000 employees in Canada and provides services across power generation, transmission, conversion, storage, and management. The company has been active in the country for over 130 years.
