Energy transition: GE Vernova invests in La Prairie

Opened in 1965, the La Prairie site has established itself as a pillar of switchgear manufacturing for electrical substations. Since its acquisition by GE Vernova in 2016, the site has been modernized and now covers more than 56,000 m².

Supporting energy security in the Québec

The plant will house a new manufacturing line for 145 kV high-voltage circuit breakers that comply with IEEE standards in force in Canada, while increasing the capacity of existing lines (38 kV and 72.5 kV). These improvements will directly contribute to strengthening the energy transmission network in Québec and Canada.

This project is part of GE Vernova’s overall commitment to invest $22.2 million in its Québec facilities to meet an anticipated 35% increase in energy demand in the province. By consolidating its presence in Québec, GE Vernova aims to better serve its customers, increase grid resilience, and support long-term energy security.

Since last year, more than 90 new positions have been created in key areas such as production, engineering, project management, testing, and after-sales service.

This step is part of Québec’s strategic plan to increase energy production and improve the reliability of the power grid.

“GE Vernova’s plant in La Prairie plays a key role in our transition towards green and sustainable energy by providing essential equipment for the power grid infrastructure,” said Lysane Picard, plant manager. “By combining GE Vernova’s technical expertise, more than 60 years of local experience, the quality of Greater Montréal’s talent pool, and the support of our partners, we have everything we need to build energy infrastructure that will help Canada achieve carbon neutrality.”

“The facility has been an important part of La Prairie’s fabric for the past 60 years. Seeing this new investment from GE Vernova is excellent news for the city and its citizens: more jobs, more economic vitality, and a direct contribution to Québec’s energy future,” said Frédéric Galantai, Mayor of La Prairie.

In Québec, GE Vernova also has manufacturing and engineering facilities in Sorel-Tracy for its hydroelectric activities, as well as in Gaspé for wind energy. With some 2,400 employees in Québec, GE Vernova is a major player in the energy transition sector.

This project was carried out with the support of Montréal International and Investissement Québec.

GE Vernova will participate in the upcoming CIGRÉ 2025 International Symposium, an event bringing together more than 700 global experts in the energy systems sector in Montreal from September 29 to October 3, 2025. On this occasion, the La Prairie site is organizing two technical exchange sessions and facility tours for its customers and prospects.

To learn more about GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions activities, visit the website.