Hydro-Québec breaks ground on new Akulivik power plant project

Officials from Hydro-Québec and Nunavik gather Aug. 1 in Akulivik to hold the ground-breaking for a new $49.4 million power plant in the community — whose seen to the left of the photo. (HANDOUT PHOTO)

Hydro-Québec broke ground Aug. 1 on a new diesel power plant in Akulivik, Quebec’s power corporation said in a news release.

“I would like to take this opportunity to renew Hydro-Québec’s commitment to pursue our mission of providing our customers with safe and reliable electricity,” Roger Perron, director of distribution for off-grid systems at Hydro-Québec, said in a news release.

Akulivik Mayor Adamie Alayco, said he’s happy that work on the plant is set to start.

“We are looking forward to its commissioning in late fall 2015,” he said.

The $49.4 million project will generate local economic spinoffs and at the peak of construction, close to 30 workers will be on the job site in the community of about 650.

Hydro-Québec also gave a $1 million contract to Makivik Corp. to build the access road, and, among other construction-related jobs, produce crushed stone for the construction of the new power plant.

“We are pleased that Hydro-Québec is relying on our Makivik construction division for Phase 1 of the work. We trust this experience will be successful and lead the way to future projects,” said Makivik president Jobie Tukkiapik.

The future power plant in Akulivik will be located approximately 250 metres from the existing power plant, in an elevated area chosen in partnership with representatives of the Qekeirriaq Landholding Corp. and the Northern Village of Akulivik.

The power plant site, located on rocky terrain, was selected reduce impacts on plants and wildlife.

Avataq Cultural Institute has identified archaeological sites in and around the area which will be used by Hydro-Québec for the construction of the new power plant.

Although the area studied does not contain any important archaeological sites, it lies near a known archaeological site which will be preserved.

The new power plant will include three generating turbines for an installed capacity of 2,072 kW.

Their state-of-the-art motors will help save close to 1.7 million litres of fuel between 2016 and 2036 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 4,700 tonnes over that same period.

Hydro-Québec said inverted cones on the exhaust outlets will ensure a better spread atmospheric emissions, be less visible and cut down on noise.

The power plant’s design also include a system to recover heat given off by the turbines, which will then be used to heat the plant where LED lighting will also help decrease the building’s energy consumption.