Hydro-Québec has announced partial rehabilitation work of the three turbine-generator units as well as some improvement work on the power station building at the Bryson power station. Work begins this spring and will continue until 2023.

“This work will allow Hydro-Québec to fulfill its mission of generating electricity and ensuring the sustainability of its facilities,” said Senior Director, Planning, Strategies and Expertise at Hydro-Québec, Roger Gosselin.

The Bryson plant has three turbine-generator units. The first one was commissioned in 1925, the second in 1929 and the third in 1949. The role of the turbine is to transform the energy of the water into mechanical energy, so as to turn the alternator. The alternator, in turn, transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy. In the case of hydroelectric plants like Bryson’s, a turbine-generator unit is the turbine and generator that work together.

This work will help stimulate the economic development of the Pontiac. Hydro-Québec is also committed to maximizing local spinoffs.

“In consultation with stakeholders in the community, Hydro-Québec will encourage the contractors selected and its employees to turn, as far as possible, to local goods, services and resources” underlines the Community Relations Advisor with Hydro-Québec, Alain Paquette.

Mr. Paquette specifies that this desire applies, for example, to the purchase of sundries, to restaurant and catering services as well as accommodation such as fuel supply, equipment rental and employment of local labor. About 40 workers, on average, will work on the site over the next three years. The Warden of the MRC Pontiac, Jane Toller, was very satisfied with this announcement.

"As warden of the MRC Pontiac, I am delighted to share Hydro-Québec’s announcement that it will invest in the rehabilitation of Bryson power station. I also salute the efforts of Hydro-Québec to encourage the local economy. This work will also improve the safety and reliability of this facility, which helps, among other things, limit the impact of spring floods on our citizens. Finally, I am delighted with this collaboration with Hydro-Quebec for the realization of this major project for our community ”, mentioned Jane Toller

The Bryson generating station was built in 1924 and 1925. It is located on the Ottawa River, in Bryson, in the Grand Calumet channel. It is a run-of-river power plant with an installed capacity of 61 megawatts.