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First power surges from dam

Broadcast Date: Oct. 27, 1979

Phase one of the James Bay Project is a massive undertaking that covers an area 30 times the size of Prince Edward Island and involves 18,000 workers at its height. It costs $14 billion dollars and takes 13 years to complete. The development involves the massive diversion of water from rivers to dammed reservoirs on the Grand River.

The three dams of phase one produce 10,000 megawatts of power. That's more than enough power to light up New York City, which requires a capacity of at least 8,438 megawatts.

First power surges from dam

• Large hydroelectric projects account for about 20 per cent of world power generation. Canada produces 60 per cent of its total electricity from hydro sources. The United States produces 10 per cent of its electricity from hydro, and Australia produces about 8.6 per cent.

First power surges from dam

Medium: Television

Program: The National

Broadcast Date: Oct. 27, 1979

Guest(s):

Host: George McLean
Reporter: Don Murray

Duration: 2:03

Last updated:
Nov. 19, 2004