About
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro is a corporation owned by the government of the province. It is the province's main source of electricity, supplying over 80% of electricity all from renewable resources. They are responsible for generating and transmitting energy all across Newfoundland and Labrador.
The corporation is committed to providing safe, reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective electricity to homes and businesses throughout the province. Its major hydroelectric-operating stations are located in Churchill Falls, Muskrat Falls, and Bay d’Espoir, meeting energy demands. These facilities harness the power of water by converting its flow into electricity using turbines, which is then transmitted across the electrical grid to meet the province's power demands.
In addition to large-scale operations, NL Hydro also manages smaller generating stations, such as diesel systems in remote communities and a few solar-powered systems, and continues to explore innovative and cleaner energy alternatives.
Sustainability
NL Hydro relies on advanced technologies such as turbines, control systems, and performance-monitoring sensors. These tools allow them to identify and fix issues early, keeping operations efficient and reliable.
Water management is central to their strategy. By storing water during high-flow periods like spring, NL Hydro ensures consistent energy production during drier times. Their network of stations enables flexible energy generation, adjusted according to local conditions and weather forecasts.
The company is also deeply committed to environmental stewardship. They follow strict environmental guidelines to protect water quality, maintain fish habitats, and preserve local ecosystems. They collaborate with different agencies and researchers to minimize ecological impact while meeting the province’s energy needs.
Current Projects
NL Hydro is currently working on several forward-thinking projects aimed at improving renewable energy access and reducing carbon emissions:
- WIND ENERGY EXPANSION: NL Hydro has issued Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to develop new wind systems in Labrador and other regions. These aim to reduce reliance on diesel and expand renewable capacity.
- RAMEA HYBRID WIND-DIESEL EXPANSION: In Ramea, a small island off coast, NL Hydro operates an experimental wind-diesel-battery hybrid system to reduce diesel consumption and improve sustainability in remote communities.
- BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS: NL Hydro is investing in battery storage to store excess energy produced during low-demand periods, making energy delivery more flexible and reliable.
- BAT D'ESPOIR AND CHURCHILL FALLS UPGRADES: Modernization efforts are ongoing to enhance the performance and safety of these key stations, ensuring they remain viable and reliable for years to come.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, NL Hydro aims to lead Newfoundland and Labrador into a more sustainable, low-emissions future. Their focus will be on the following:
- Developing more clean energy through wind and solar partnerships
- Reducing the dependency on diesel in remote communities
- Exploring hydrogen as a future clean energy source
- Expanding community engagement to include local voices in decision-making
- Investing in smart grid technologies and digital transformation
The company's ultimate goal is to create a reliable, environmentally responsible energy future for all the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Interview Questions
- questions prepared for an employee from the corporation (Kristen Ladouceur)
- according to their Strategic Plan 2025, sustainable development is creating a more green and brighter future for the community. NL Hydo is looking at opportunities and carefully evaluating ideas to make sure they are in the best interest of the people.
- it works like a battery. When a battery is not is use, you charge it. The same idea happens to their hydroelectric systems, they store water in reservoirs during high-tide periods (rainfalls) and use them during dryer periods
- the company's hydroelectric stations produces the majority of their energy. These stations don't produce much greenhouse emmissions, but will continue to improve to little to zero producing gas emmissions in the future.
- it's ultimate goal to to support the growth of energy supply while maintaining a sustainable lifestyle for the province.
- their biggest environment challenge currently is small-scale distribution. Some power lines in the Avalon area are difficult to access.
- they arrange open houses and other events that engage the community to have conversations with stakeholders considering their opinions and ideas for development.
- when they serve communities and continue to improve performanace everyday.
- they dont have specific projects or plans yet other than just continue moving forward improving performance.
Credits
Special thanks to Kristen Ladouceur, TL Workforce Planning employee (Employee Relations, Workforce, Data Analytics, and HR Data), for answering some questions regarding the corporation's sustainable practices.
About me
Hello! My name is Jillian Vilches, and recently graduated from high school. This summer, I've been participating in the Tech NL summer program, which gives high school students the chance to explore careers in technology and gain hands-on experience.
Through the program, I've learned new skills in coding, web design, and a few digital tools.
Outside of the program, I enjoy learning new things, explring creative ideas, and challenging myself to grow. I'm truly excited to take the skills and experiences I've gained from the program into my future.