Limestone Generating Station

Limestone Generating Station is a run-of-the-river[1] hydroelectric dam on the Nelson River approximately 750 kilometres (470 mi) north of Winnipeg near Gillam, Manitoba. Part of the Nelson River Hydroelectric Project, Limestone was Manitoba Hydro's fifth and largest generating station to be built on the Nelson River. The station was built on the Nelson River at Long Spruce Rapids. The site is approximately 23 kilometres (14 mi) downstream of Manitoba Hydro's Long Spruce Generating Station.

Manitoba Hydro Limestone generating station entrance sign near Gillam, Manitoba.

Manitoba Hydro Limestone generating station building sign near Gillam, Manitoba.

Limestone Generating Station
Location of Limestone Generating Station in Manitoba
Country	Canada
Location	Gillam, Manitoba
Coordinates	56°30′25″N 94°6′25″W
Status	Operational
Construction began	1985
Opening date	1990-1992
Construction cost	C$1,430 million
Owner(s)	Manitoba Hydro
Dam and spillways
Type of dam	Barrage
Impounds	Nelson River
Length	299 m (981 ft)
Dam volume	2,900,000 m3 (102,413,000 cu ft)
Spillway capacity	9,570 m3/s (337,960 cu ft/s)
Reservoir
Surface area	27.2 km2 (10.5 sq mi)
Normal elevation	85.3 m (279.9 ft)
Power Station
Type	Run-of-the-river
Hydraulic head	27.6 m (90.6 ft)
Turbines	10 × 134 MW; propeller-type
Installed capacity	1,340 MW
Annual generation	7,700 GWh
Website Limestone GS

The dam is owned and operated by Manitoba Hydro. It has ten generating units with a capacity of 1,330 megawatts and annual generation around 8.5 terawatt-hours. Although work at the site began in 1976 with a cofferdam completed in 1978, construction was suspended owing to a slowing of demand for electric power. The project resumed in 1985, with the first generating unit delivering power in 1990 and completion in 1992. Construction cost was $CDN 1.43 billion; favorable economic conditions at the time resulted in lower cost than budget.[2]