Robert-Bourassa generating station

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Robert-Bourassa Reservoir spillway (The Staircase of the Giants) and dam (partially visible).

Transformers and transmission gear at the R-B Station.

Robert-Bourassa is a hydroelectric generating station on the La Grande River that is part of Hydro-Québec's James Bay Project. The station can generate 5,616 MW and was commissioned in 1979-1981. Together with the adjacent La Grande-2-A generating station, it uses the reservoir and dam system of the Robert-Bourassa Reservoir to generate electricity.

Initially known as La Grande-2, it was renamed after Robert Bourassa who, as Premier of Quebec (1970-1976 and 1985-1994) gave the James Bay Project a vital political impetus.


Robert-Bourassa generating station
Year commissioned:	1979-1981
Installed capacity:	5616 MW
Number of turbines:	16
Turbine capacity:	351 MW
Type of turbine:	Francis
Net rated head:	137.2 m (450 ft)
Distance from James Bay:	112 km (69.5 mile)
Size of reservoir:	2835 km² (1095 mile²)
Volume of reservoir:	61.7 x 10⁹ m³ (80.7 x 10⁹ yd³)
Spillway capacity:	16280 m³/s (21293 yd³/s)