BAIE-JAMES, Quebec, Canada 1/6/12 (PennWell) -- Hydro-Quebec has awarded Alstom a contract worth about 50 million euros (US$64 million) to modernize the 5,616-MW Robert-Bourassa hydroelectric facility, the power conglomerate announced.
The hydropower plant, located on northern Quebec's La Grande River, consists of 16 units. The facility is coupled with the 2,100-MW La Grande 2-A generating station as the second part of Hydro-Quebec's James Bay project. Following Robert-Bourassa's refurbishment, the plants will account for more than 20% of Hydro-Quebec's installed capacity, according to an Alstom release.
Under terms of the contract, Alstom will design, manufacture and deliver four new 333-MW Francis turbine runners for units 1-4 at the plant. The company will also refurbish and modernize two turbine-generator groups.
The contract also includes an option for the supply of four more runners for units 4-8 and the refurbishment and modernization of six more turbine-generator units.
Commissioning of the first upgraded unit is scheduled for Fall 2013.
