Hydro-Québec has announced plans to restart the Bécancour Natural Gas Power Plant. Originally built in 2006, the facility has never been utilized for the Quebec electrical grid. Despite the lack of operational use, Hydro-Québec has incurred significant costs over the years.
Details of the Restart
On January 22, Hydro-Québec stated that the Bécancour plant, which will be repurposed for peak demand periods, will not be ready for the upcoming extreme cold this weekend. The expected operational timeline extends to 2028-2029.
Renewable Natural Gas Implementation
Once converted, the power plant will utilize renewable natural gas instead of fossil fuels. This shift aligns with environmental goals and will improve the facility’s integration into Quebec’s energy strategy.
Financial Implications
The plant was built by TC Énergie under a 20-year contract with Hydro-Québec. From 2006 to 2026, Hydro-Québec has paid around $120 million annually, totaling over $2 billion by the end of the contract.
Power Capacity and Usage
- Original capacity: 600 megawatts
- New planned capacity: 350 megawatts
- Purpose: Support the grid during peak demand
Hydro-Québec also operates its own natural gas facility in Bécancour, aimed at ensuring the nuclear plant remains operational during outages. This existing plant will continue to serve high-demand periods.
Impact of Weather on Demand
This winter, Hydro-Québec’s grid faced unforeseen challenges due to an early cold season. December saw three record-high consumption levels. In winter 2023, demand peaked at over 43,000 megawatts, creating a pressing need for additional power generation.
Future Plans
To address the growing electricity demand, Hydro-Québec is implementing an Action Plan for 2025, which aims to double electricity production. Vice President Dave Rhéaume affirmed that enhanced energy efficiency measures and the operational support of the Bécancour facility will provide necessary capabilities during harsh winter days.
