2013-2014

News Release

REF NO.: 101

SUBJECT: Public lecture about how homes and businesses across North America are powered by water flowing down river

DATE: March 31, 2014

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial University will host a public lecture on Wednesday, April 2, to discuss how water flowing down rivers powers millions of homes and businesses across North America.
Gilbert Bennett, vice-president, Lower Churchill Project, Nalcor Energy, the province's energy corporation, will talk about the engineering, construction and operation of the second largest hydroelectric generating facility to be built in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The lower Churchill River is one of the most attractive undeveloped hydroelectric sites in North America and is a key component of the province’s energy warehouse. The Muskrat Falls hydroelectric development on the lower Churchill River in Labrador includes construction of an 824-megawatt hydroelectric generating facility and more than 1,500 kilometres of associated transmission lines that will deliver electricity to homes and businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador, Atlantic Canada and the Northeastern United States, according to Mr. Bennett.
“The development of Muskrat Falls will provide a clean, renewable source of electricity to meet the province’s growing energy demands,” he said. “It will provide Newfoundland and Labrador homes and businesses with stable electricity rates well into the future, and will be a valuable power-producing asset for the province. In addition, the development will help Canada’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
This Speaking of Engineering lecture series, hosted by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial University and the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador, will be held on Wednesday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m., in the S. J. Carew (Engineering) building’s Angus Bruneau Engineering Lecture Theatre, room EN-2006, on Memorial’s St. John’s campus. Admission is free. Parking is available in lot 16. All are welcome. Reception will follow.

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