Société en Commandite Hydroélectrique Manicouagan (SCHM) has awarded global technology group ANDRITZ a major contract to modernize turbine-generator units 6 and 7 at the historic McCormick hydropower plant in Baie-Comeau, Québec, Canada. This strategic upgrade will breathe new life into over six decades of reliable service, significantly boosting the plant’s output and reinforcing Québec’s position as a global leader in renewable energy.
Breathing New Life into 60-Year-Old Infrastructure
The McCormick plant, situated on the powerful Manicouagan River, has been a cornerstone of regional energy production for more than 60 years. However, aging infrastructure requires strategic intervention to meet modern energy demands and efficiency standards.
Under an early contractor involvement (ECI) partnership model, ANDRITZ will take comprehensive responsibility for the project. This includes the engineering, manufacturing, supply, installation, and commissioning of fully upgraded equipment. The scope of work covers the replacement and modernization of major turbine and generator components, alongside critical associated systems, ensuring a seamless, highly optimized, and risk-mitigated retrofit.
Maximizing Output from Existing Footprints
One of the most impressive aspects of this modernization is the sheer efficiency gain. By upgrading the existing infrastructure rather than building entirely new facilities, the project will increase the nominal output of each unit by approximately 35%.
Consequently, the combined capacity of units 6 and 7 will jump from 122 MW to 164 MW. This adds roughly 42 MW of clean, renewable generating capacity to the grid, all while extending the service life of the units and dramatically enhancing their long-term operational reliability.
A Strategic Partnership for Québec’s Energy Future
The McCormick hydropower plant is operated by SCHM, a joint venture owned by energy giant Hydro-Québec and industrial leader Alcoa. It plays a vital role in the province’s extensive hydropower network, supporting both long-term energy security and regional grid stability.
By choosing an ECI partnership, SCHM and ANDRITZ are ensuring that advanced engineering expertise is applied from the very earliest stages of the project. This collaborative approach minimizes execution risk and maximizes the performance and longevity of the final installation.
Looking Ahead
Included in ANDRITZ’s order intake for the second quarter of 2026, this project is a prime example of how strategic modernization can unlock hidden value in existing renewable energy assets. As the global demand for clean, baseload power continues to grow, upgrading legacy hydropower facilities offers a highly sustainable and cost-effective pathway to increasing grid capacity. With ANDRITZ at the helm, the McCormick plant is perfectly positioned to power Québec’s green future for decades to come.