GE Vernova Inc. will invest C$22.2 million in its Quebec operations, expanding hydropower and grid equipment production to support rising energy demand in Quebec and across Canada.
The company will put C$16.2 million into its hydropower manufacturing site in Sorel-Tracy and more than C$6 million into its La Prairie facility, which produces high-voltage grid equipment.
The Sorel-Tracy facility, in operation since 1957, will expand its production capacity by about 20% through new equipment and building space. The investment, supported by a government loan of up to C$2.5 million, is expected to create 28 jobs while maintaining 75 existing roles.
The site manufactures turbines for hydropower projects in Canada and abroad. GE Vernova employs nearly 500 people in Canada in its Hydro Power business, including about 100 in Sorel-Tracy.
With nearly 60% of Canada’s electricity coming from hydropower and an average plant age of 53 years, modernization is critical the company said. Frederic Ribieras, CEO of GE Vernova’s Hydro Power business, added: “To effectively execute on these projects, in a capacity-constrained industry, GE Vernova has established long-term collaboration agreement with various hydropower asset owners, that will enable early engagement and close collaboration between the companies, giving the long-term visibility needed to plan, design, and secure the supply chain for the projects. The expected backlog related to these agreements require the expansion of the Sorel Tracy site.”
The company recently signed a 15-year framework agreement with Ontario Power Generation (OPG), giving it exclusivity to modernise up to 25 hydropower units in the Niagara region. Turbines for those projects will be produced in Sorel-Tracy.
GE Vernova will also invest more than $6 million CAD in its La Prairie facility, which specialises in high-voltage equipment for power transmission. The upgrades will expand production to help serve the North American market and meet demand from Hydro-Québec for dead tank circuit breakers, components that ensure grid stability.
Heather Chalmers, CEO of GE Vernova Canada, said: “Our technology provides close to 40% of Canada’s electricity and these investments represent our commitment to securing Canada’s energy future and helping our customers meet the doubling of demand while accelerating Canadian innovation and technology development.”
The announcement was made at a groundbreaking event in Sorel-Tracy, attended by provincial and local officials.
Jean-Bernard Émond, Member of the National Assembly for Richelieu, said: “GE Vernova is a major player in the ongoing energy transition around the world. With growing operations in Sorel-Tracy, the company’s project will be able to meet strong demand for hydroelectric power, particularly for modernization projects in Canada, benefiting the local economy here in Richelieu. Congratulations to the entire team for its outstanding work and its determination to make GE Vernova a successful business in the Montérégie region!”
Patrick Péloquin, Mayor of Sorel-Tracy, added: “Sorel-Tracy occupies a strategic position in the hydroelectric industry. It was in Sorel-Tracy that many of the turbines for Hydro-Québec’s major dams were built in the 20th century. And decades later, it will be in Sorel-Tracy that the large Quebec and Canadian turbines will be modernized thanks to our local expertise recognized around the world! What excellent news! This investment by GE Vernova will have positive impacts for several Sorel-based companies specializing in the production of parts for the hydroelectric market.”
