Energy Generation on the St Lawrence
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The St. Lawrence is an important source of hydro energy.
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Globally, people have used flowing water to do work for thousands of years. The first Europeans to settle along the St. Lawrence used water wheels to capture energy for riparian activities. The average output of these early power plants was about 100 kW of energy. In the 19th century, technologies to generate electricity from hydro power were invented and constructed. Since the 19th century, energy demand in the region has increased substantially as a result of population growth and development. Many power stations operate along the St. Lawrence and harness its energy. These plants generate many megawatts (MW) of electricity that is transported over long distances. In the 20th century several energy generating technologies were developed including include fossil fuel, nuclear, water, solar and wind power. The major consumers of energy in the region include agriculture, shipping, households (eating, appliances, air conditioning) and industries. One industrial sector has a particularly high demand for hydroelectricity; aluminum making. The location of these factories is closely related to electric energy production. Early in the 20th century, the technology of electricity transport was not well developed, meaning considerable amounts of energy were lost as the distance traveled by electric lines increased. Major aluminum factories thus directly located next by major hydroelectric dams. One of the best example of this is the construction in 1926 of the Arvida Aluminum factory near Jonquiere by the Saguenay River. It was the largest aluminum making factory in the world. As the technology improved, it was possible to efficiently transport electricity over longer distances. Today, aluminum factories are generally located nearby port sites, where bauxite (used to make aluminum) and aluminum can be more efficiently imported or exported by maritime transportation. The Becancour Waterfront Park next to the St. Lawrence, which is the largest industrial park in Canada, is a good example of contemporary integrated industrial developments. Energy generation and distribution in the St. Lawrence area is controlled by Hydro Quebec and Ontario Hydro, both state-owned. The most important source of energy in the region is water, but thermal and nuclear plants are present, notably in Ontario.
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Hydro power is captured in a powerhouse and used to generate electricity. |
Hydro electricity is generated in a structure called a powerhouse. A powerhouse is constructed across a river and contains turbines, a large conduit (penstock), generators and transformers. A dam directs water from the upper part of the river (the forebay) into the power house via a penstock. The penstock is widest at the forebay and becomes increasingly narrow inside the powerhouse. The penstock is connected to the turbines, electrical generator and transformer. The force of water flowing down the penstock turns the turbines. The generator uses a set of positive and negative magnets to make electricity from the rotation made by water as it passes through the turbines. The water then exits the conduit and returns to the river downstream.
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Hydro electric plants harness the St. Lawrence river in Ontario.
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Ontario Hydro was established in 1906. The utility company is responsible for energy generation and distribution in Ontario. The Ontario power stations that border the St. Lawrence are located near Brockville, Kingston and Cornwall. These stations are hydro electric generators. The largest power station in Ontario along the St. Lawrence was constructed jointly by the United States and Canada in 1954 and inaugurated in 1958 as part of the St. Lawrence Power Project. The station is called Saunders on the Ontario side and Moses on the American side, thus the Saunders-Moses power dam. Both were respectively chairman of Hydro Ontario and New York State Power Authority. The power station generates 912,000 kW of electricity for Ontario.
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Fifteen power plants border the St. Lawrence River in Quebec.
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Hydro Quebec was established in 1944 and afterward became the most important hydro power provider in Quebec by the nationalisation of regional electric companies. It is responsible for energy generation and distribution in the province of Quebec. The operations controlled by hydro Quebec generate about 31,000 MW of energy. Ninety three percent of Hydro Quebec's facilities are hydro electric plants. There are 15 Quebec power plants that border the St. Lawrence River, which the table below provides 1996 data.
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Non-hydro power use is minimal in the St. Lawrence area and Quebec.Northern and Western Ontario depend on nuclear energy. |
On a daily basis electricity generated from nuclear energy and fossil fuels are of minimal importance in the St. Lawrence area . However, during periods of low water or peak energy demands fossil fuel and nuclear power is needed to support human activities in the area. More than 90% of Quebec's power is generated form hydro electric sources. Quebec has one nuclear power plant (Gentilly 2) and several thermal plants, such as Tracy. Thermal plants are located adjacent to the St. Lawrence mainly because they use hydrocarbons such as coal and oil that are ponderous goods to carry and waterways are privileged means to ship them. In Ontario, some oil and nuclear power facilities exist along the Great Lakes. Northern and Western regions of the province are dependent on nuclear power. It provides 60% of Ontario's total energy. Nuclear power is economical in Ontario because the province has significant uranium resources. Nuclear power plants are built near large lakes and rivers because water is needed to generate steam and to cool the nuclear reaction in case of emergencies. In summer 1997, the nuclear power generation system in Ontario was in a state of crisis as seven nuclear stations were shut down because of poor repairs and management. To compensate, several conventional thermal plants will have to be put online. The nuclear power system used in Canada is called Candu. For detailed information on the Candu system and non-hydro energy systems in Canada refer to the web links provided below.
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New energy prospects are arising. |
In the future energy generation and demand along the St. Lawrence may change. Hydro Quebec and Ontario are experimenting with new energy technologies as nuclear energy runs out a favour. New energy interests are arising as a result of concerns for the environment, efficiency and sustainable development. The many new energy prospects include solar and wind energy. Hydro energy however remains one of the cheapest and most reliable source.
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Copyright 1997, Department of Geography, Concordia University.
