Powering a hydro dam build

The Challenge
Power construction and workers’ accommodation in a remote part of Canada
The Solution
Tailored package with load-sharing to reduce outages
The Impact
Minimal production downtime, compliant with EH&S regulations

Client:Manitoba Hydro – Keeyask Project

Location:Manitoba, Canada

Sectors:Utilities

The Challenge

Powering a remote dam construction project

Up in the wilderness of Manitoba, an ambitious project was underway to build the first of three hydroelectric dams that would supply power to utilities in both Canada and the US.

First, the utility needed the installation, supply and delivery of prime power for the workers’ accommodation and the construction sites. That’s a lot of temporary power. And given that all activities, from construction to cooking, relied on that power there was no room for outages. It had to be consistent, it had to be reliable and it had to be mobile.

725 kmNorth of Winnipeg

2,100Workers on-site

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The Solution

A rugged, safe, low-emission power package

Our technicians knew it was critical that the power supply never faltered, so they designed a package that provided a high level of redundancy. The system was designed for load increases and possible equipment failure, and the units chosen for their low emissions and capacity to stand up to rigorous winter conditions. The low loads also provided considerable fuel cost savings.

The system was supported by an on-site technician, for 24/7 maintenance and repair, and an Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) expert who developed a safety plan that included on-site safety training and emergency and evacuation procedures.

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“There was a lot at stake for our customer. It’s an ambitious large-scale project and they needed a power supply solution of the highest quality.”

The Impact

Reliable power keeps dam on time and budget

We built a comprehensive top-of-the-range power system that provided reliable, constant power to construction areas and campsites, allowing our customer to keep up with project schedules and budgets. There was minimal disruption, and production downtime was negligible. Our compliant EH&S plan ticked all the boxes to operate under strict Canadian government environmental regulations. Given that Canadian environmental regulations are some of the toughest in the industry, and the size and scope of the project was massive, this was no small achievement.