315/120/25‑kV Argenteuil Substation and Supply Lines
Selected solution
Major investments benefiting the communities of the MRC d’Argenteuil
In recent years, the MRC d’Argenteuil has been experiencing unprecedented economic growth, in particular due to the arrival of energy-intensive businesses such as data centers and cannabis greenhouses.
The electric power transmission system serving this MRC is aging—it cannot cope with the significant increase in energy needs.
In order to meet this growing demand, Hydro-Québec is planning to build a large power transformer substation, namely, the new Argenteuil substation, and two transmission lines, one at 315 kV and the other at 120 kV, in the municipalities of Lachute and Saint‑André‑d’Argenteuil.
The project represents major investments estimated at more than $130 million that will support the economic development of the MRC d’Argenteuil over a period of 40 years.
To date, the project has been very well received by the host communities.
Video: Substation site and the two transmission line routes with the least impact (in French only)
Substation location and line routes with the least impact
The new Argenteuil substation will be located north of the existing Lachute substation, between Chemin de l’Île-aux-Chats and Avenue d’Argenteuil, in Lachute. It will occupy an area of approximately 8 ha. .
The two new transmission lines will run along either side of the existing right-of-way of a single-circuit line on wooden H-frames. Hydro-Québec will favour the use of reduced-footprint steel towers to minimize the impact on agricultural activity.
The 315-kV line’s support structures will reach an average height of 60 m, and those of the 120-kV line, 45 m. After the Argenteuil substation and transmission lines are commissioned, the former Lachute substation and a long section of the single-circuit line on wooden H-frames will be dismantled.
Main improvements
Hydro‑Québec is sensitive to the concerns that were expressed during the consultations held for this new project. Several improvements were made to the initial project.
For example, the company will design a landscaping scheme to reduce the visual impact of the future substation and better integrate the facility into its host environment. Furthermore, to avoid the creation of a new transmission line corridor on the territory, the two new lines and their towers will be run along an existing line right‑of‑way. Doing so will both limit land clearing and reduce the length of the line routes.
What’s next
- Draft design
- Information on the solution selected Summer – Fall 2020
- Announcement of selected substation site and line routes
- Presentation of main areas of optimization
- Filing of environmental impact study with the Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques Winter 2020 – Fall 2022
- Government approvals Winter 2020 – Fall 2022
- Project
- Construction Winter 2023 – Fall 2025