Power Generation and Transmission in Quebec

Abstract

The paper covers in outline the growth of power generation and transmission in Quebec from the start of the century, and points out the particular features of Quebec which lead to very large hydroelectric developments. It is mentioned that, up to the present, only one large thermal plant is installed, with two units of 150 MW in operation. It is also mentioned that the hydraulic heads developed do not exceed 875 ft so that turbines are of the Francis or propeller type, and that it is unlikely that the Pelton type will ever be required. Outline dimensions of some of the record-size dams and canals are given, for instance the Manicouagan buttressed multi-arch dam with a crest length of 4275 ft and a height of 703 ft, controlling a reservoir containing 115 000 000 acre ft; also the 15-mile long, 3300-ft wide, 27-ft deep Beauharnois canal from which 200 million cubic yards of clay were excavated. The contrast is shown between the well-known 120-kV transmission systems and the 735-kV transmission system which is the highest voltage and capacity system in use anywhere, and is capable of carrying 2000 MW per three-phase circuit.