Boralex Repowers Buckingham Power Station, Doubling the Installed Capacity

EIN Boralex 400

Oct 17, 2019

Boralex is repowering its Buckingham power station in Québec.

“Repowering” or refurbishment means replacing and upgrading existing equipment. Installed capacity at the Buckingham power station has now been increased from 10 MW to 20 MW, raising Boralex’s worldwide installed capacity to 2,013 MW. The power station will generate an average of 50% more energy thanks to the more efficient use of hydropower made possible by the increase in capacity.

Located in Québec’s Outaouais region, the power station was built in 1913 and initially upgraded by Boralex in 1994. The facility’s first 25-year power purchase agreement with Hydro-Québec ran from 1994 to 2019, and has been renewed to 2038.

“The work on the Buckingham hydroelectric power station is a clear example of our asset optimization,” said Patrick Decostre, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Boralex. “By replacing older equipment with more productive equipment, Boralex is meeting Québec’s energy needs more effectively while respecting the environment.”

Work at the site began in June 2018 and continued without interruption until the commissioning. Most of the work was done by the Kiewit construction company with assistance from several subcontractors. Four of Buckingham’s five turbines were replaced by Litostroj bulb turbine-generators. The fifth turbine was kept since it is still adequate for power station purposes. The project was built and commissioned on time.

Replacement of the four turbines doubled the power station’s installed capacity, which will add approximately $5 million to the Corporation’s annual EBITDA(A).

Source

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • The Non-Residential Sector Declines in All Three Components Despite Sustained Industrial Permit Level

    The Non-Residential Sector Declines in All Three Components Despite Sustained Industrial Permit Level

    November 4, 2024 The total value of building permits in Canada decreased by $858.1 million (-7.0%) to $11.5 billion in August, following a strong July during which construction intentions rose sharply (+20.8%). The residential and non-residential sectors contributed to the decrease in August. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), the total value of building permits decreased 7.6% in… Read More…

  • A Slight Decrease in Residential Building Construction for August

    A Slight Decrease in Residential Building Construction for August

    November 4, 2024 Investment in building construction edged up 0.2% to $21.0 billion in August, after a 1.6% decrease in July. The residential sector edged down (-0.1%) to $14.6 billion, while the non-residential sector was up 1.0% to $6.4 billion. Year over year, investment in building construction grew 7.2% in August. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), investment in building construction was… Read More…

  • When a Familiar Door Closes

    When a Familiar Door Closes

    November 4, 2024 By Keith Sones, seasoned utility industry executive Most of the articles I’ve written have been based on personal experiences, many of them occurring decades ago, which eventually translate into helpful life lessons. The years allow the events to marinate in a savoury stew of time and reflection, clarity never coming immediately, or even… Read More…

  • Regulatory Changes to Manitoba Apprenticeship and Certification System

    Regulatory Changes to Manitoba Apprenticeship and Certification System

    November 4, 2024 Effective October 30, 2024, Manitoba’s apprenticeship and certification system will undergo regulatory changes. These changes aim to enhance responsiveness to industry needs, align with Red Seal standards, and improve the quality of apprentice training and safety. Go HERE for more information Source Read More…


Changing Scene