In June 2010, the small hydroelectric station on the 11th falls of the Mistassini River was accepted within the framework of the electricity purchase program with 150 MW coming from hydroelectric stations of 50 MW and less initiated by Hydro-Québec Distribution.

With an installed capacity of 18.3 megawatts, the project consists of installing a small hydroelectric station on the water's edge at the 11th falls of the Mistassini River. The site borders along the municipalities of Girardville (west) and Notre-Dame-de-Lorette (east). The project is valued over $68 million and the total economic impact is estimated at nearly $108 million, including $75 million specifically for the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region.

Revenues from these projects come from a 20-year electricity sales agreement with Hydro-Québec Distribution at the price of $0.075 per kWh. Under the terms of the agreement, which may be renewed for another 20 year period, the expected index is at a fixed rate of 2.5% per year and applicable since the announcement in 2010.

Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan is the main sponsor of the Société Énergie Hydroélectrique Ouiatchouan, responsible for the project's construction and exploitation phases, with 45% of the shares. The Maria-Chapdelaine RCM (22.5%), the Domaine-du-Roy RCM (22.5%) and the municipalities of Girardville (5%) and Notre-Dame-de-Lorette (5%), that borders the site of the 11th falls, are the other sponsors. An estimate of about 79 million dollars cash flow generated with the partners at the end of the first 25 years of exploitation. The revenue generated will be placed in dedicated economic development funds to be used to support the development of other promising projects in their respective communities.

In an effort to develop in a sustainable fashion, the project of the 11th falls will allow for the development of an ecotourism park on the main island with a network of recreational trails and variety of light infrastructure. This park will be possibly integrated into the Parc Régional des Grandes-Rivières, a group of public parks under development on the territory of the Maria-Chapdelaine RCM.
The project of the 11th falls is under development. In accordance with the governmental authorizations to obtain, construction could begin in 2015 and have a commercial start-up date in 2017.
 

Project summary