Aménagement de l'Eastmain-1, Hydroelectric complex in Eeyou Istchee James Bay, Canada.
The Bernard-Landry hydroelectric complex comprises two power stations, a dam and a reservoir on the Eastmain River, 88 km north of Nemiscau. Eastmain-1, in service since 2006, has a 507 MW capacity; Eastmain-1-A, added in 2011-2012, adds 768 MW. The stations sit on the left bank, oriented north-south, with a normal head of 63 m and a design flow of 840 m³/s.
The complex was first listed as an optional part of the La Grande complex in the 1975 James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, but work only started after the Peace of the Braves, signed on 7 February 2002 by Premier Bernard Landry and Grand Chief Ted Moses. Two agreements signed that day, Nadoshtin and Boumhounan, framed the Eastmain development; Quebec authorised construction in November 2006 and work began in January 2007. The second plant was inaugurated on 28 June 2012 by Premier Jean Charest, and the complex was renamed for Bernard Landry in November 2019.
The site was developed through consultation with Cree communities, with measures put in place to protect their traditional hunting and fishing areas. Local groups participated in decisions affecting how they use the land and its resources.
The site is located in a remote area and is not easily accessible for regular tourists; visitor access is very limited. Anyone hoping to see the facility will need special permission and must contact the operators.
The two plants share a combined installed capacity of 1,275 MW and are run jointly, with a utilisation factor of 47%. Because they follow hourly and daily demand, several turbine-generator units are stopped during low-demand periods. The Eastmain-1-A plant stands 700 m east of its twin and relies on water diverted from the Rupert River since November 2009.
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