It is mandatory to go through the ticket office of the Cité de l’énergie (located at the Science Center) to obtain transportation and access to the hydroelectric sector.

Built in 1910 and commissioned in 1911, the Shawinigan-2 power plant still operates with much of its original equipment. Come and discover this jewel of Quebec’s hydroelectric heritage. Completed in 1928, the second part of this power station is the first manifestation of the Art Deco style in the Mauricie region. With five horizontal and three vertical generating units, the Shawinigan-2 hydroelectric power station operated, at the time, with the most important equipment on the continent.

Persons with pacemakers are not allowed to enter the central station, in order not to disturb the proper functioning of the device.

Adults (18 years and older) must present a valid photo ID, either a driver’s license, health insurance card or passport.

It is mandatory to go through the ticket office of the Cité de l’énergie (located at the Science Center) to obtain transportation and access to the hydroelectric sector.

The discovery of the old power plants begins with the exploration of the Northern Aluminum Company (N.A.C.) power plant. This first power plant on the site to produce electricity is now an amazing exhibition space. Restored and transformed into a vast exhibition hall, it presents the collection of industrial machines of the Cité de l’énergie and Hydro-Québec. You enter by crossing the very place where the penstock was installed. The water that turned the six turbines of the power station flowed through this pipe. The N.A.C. hydroelectric facilities were planned by the designers of the Niagara Falls power plant.

On the ground floor, a wide variety of industrial objects is displayed. These machines illustrate the four major technologies that have marked Shawinigan’s industrial history: hydroelectricity, aluminum, pulp and paper and electrochemistry. Interpretation stations punctuate the tour and a rally through the N.A.C. is offered.