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Rio Tinto has announced a significant $1.2bn investment to modernise the century-old Isle-Maligne hydroelectric power plant in Alma, Quebec. This is the company's largest investment in hydroelectric assets since the 1950s.
The project aims to secure the future of low-carbon aluminium production in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region.
The Isle-Maligne hydroelectric power plant, commissioned in 1926, is set for a comprehensive upgrade to bolster the production of low-carbon aluminium.
The investment ensures the longevity of the plant and supports the employment of numerous individuals in the region.
The modernisation will enhance the efficiency, safety and reliability of renewable energy supplied to Rio Tinto's smelters and other facilities, while also prioritising the safety of its workforce and local community.
Scheduled to continue until 2032, the project will see more than 300 personnel on-site at its peak. The extensive work includes replacing eight turbine-alternator groups, refurbishing the water intake and hydraulic passage, constructing additional facilities, and upgrading electrical and mechanical equipment.
Modifications to a spillway will enable its reliable use during winter.
Rio Tinto Aluminium managing director for Atlantic operations Sébastien Ross stated: “The Isle-Maligne hydroelectric power plant has been a strategic asset for Rio Tinto for 100 years, drawing on the expertise and dedication of multiple generations of employees and business partners. This major investment to modernise our facilities will ensure the long-term future and competitiveness of our low-carbon aluminium production in Quebec for decades to come for our Canadian and American customers.’’
The investment adds to Rio Tinto's commitment of $183m for the refurbishment of butterfly valves and updates to two turbine-alternator groups at the same power plant.
As one of Canada's leading private hydroelectricity producers, Rio Tinto operates seven hydroelectric facilities in Quebec and British Columbia, which provide a competitive edge by producing some of the world's lowest carbon aluminium. An additional power station in Sept-Îles, Quebec, supplies hydropower to Rio Tinto IOC’s port operations.
Rio Tinto partnered with Edify Energy in March 2025 to introduce solar power and battery storage to its Gladstone aluminium operations in Queensland, Australia.
Under the new agreements, Rio Tinto will procure 90% of the electricity and battery storage generated by Edify’s Smoky Creek and Guthrie’s Gap solar power stations for a span of 20 years, furthering its commitment to lower carbon energy sources.