Hydroeletric dams

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

SAINTE-ANNE-DES-MONTS – The Alliance de l’énergie de l’Est is analyzing the possible acquisition of the Mitis-1 and Mitis-2 hydroelectric dams on the Mitis River near Mont-Joli. If successful, the move would expand its renewable energy portfolio, which already includes wind and solar power.

“We saw an opportunity that seems to be an interesting avenue. We are seriously considering acquiring and operating them, which would add to our portfolio of new renewable energy sources,” said Simon Deschênes, vice president of the alliance and president of the Régie intermunicipale de l’énergie Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine.

The infrastructure belongs to Hydro-Québec and has been out of service since 2018 due to its dilapidated condition.

The two dams could produce 10 megawatts and have been in place on the river for close to 100 years in one case.

“The prefect of Mitis was looking at this as an important issue, and now that all energy projects have to go through the alliance, the file was quickly forwarded to us. We have conducted studies on the state of the infrastructure and financial modeling. We are in preparation mode to see how far we could go in acquiring it,” says Mr. Deschênes, who also serves as mayor of Sainte-Anne-des-Monts.

However, the elected official does not want to disclose any more information, for example, on the condition of the dams and the costs involved in purchasing and upgrading them.

In recent weeks, the MRCs that are members of the alliance have approved the borrowing bylaw of the Régie intermunicipale de l’énergie Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, authorizing an expenditure not exceeding $5,084,400 and a loan of the same amount for the development, construction, operation, and implementation of financial instruments for the power plant redevelopment project.

The vice-president warns that no conclusions should be drawn about future costs. “What was important was to have the financial resources available. It’s difficult to estimate how much it might cost to bring the two dams back into service. We have to be careful before doing any calculations,” he says.

The Alliance, however, is not closing the door on further acquisitions of small dams. “We are always interested. We have to be careful because there are dams that are already in service and are not necessarily for sale. We are focusing on owning this new source of energy, gaining experience, and improving our knowledge. We are not closing the door,” said Simon Deschênes.