Bersimis-1 generating station
The Bersimis-1 generating station is a dam and a hydroelectric power station built by Hydro-Québec in conjunction with Perini, Atlas and Cartier construction companies on the Betsiamites River, in Lac-au-Brochet, 85 km (53 mi) north of the town of Forestville, Quebec. Construction started in 1953 and the power station was commissioned in 1956 with an initial nameplate capacity of 912 megawatts.
| Bersimis-1 generating station | |
|---|---|
Location of Bersimis-1 generating station in Quebec | |
| Location | Lac-au-Brochet, Quebec, Canada |
| Coordinates | 49°17′44.8″N 69°33′2.9″W |
| Construction began | 1953 |
| Opening date | 1956 |
| Owner(s) | Hydro-Québec |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | Gravity dam |
| Impounds | Betsiamites River |
| Height | 61 m (200 ft) |
| Length | 670.5 m (2,200 ft) |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Pipmuacan Reservoir |
| Total capacity | 13,900 million m3 |
| Surface area | 79,800 ha |
| Power Station | |
| Turbines | 8 |
| Installed capacity | 1,178 MW |
It is the first plant ever built by Hydro-Québec and it has been described as a turning point in the history of electricity in province, paving the way for the takeover of all private utilities by the government-owned corporation in 1963. Three years later, the first plant was followed by a second one, built 30 km (20 mi) downstream. Bersimis-2 entered service in 1959.
With upgrades, a major overhaul in the 1990s and further river diversions, Bersimis-1 installed capacity has been increased over time to its current 1,178 megawatts.