A consortium of Siemens and Mortenson has completed HVDC converter stations for Manitoba Hydro’s Bipole 3 transmission project in Canada.
The 2GW converter stations are at Keewatinohk in northern Manitoba, near Hudson Bay, and Riel near Winnipeg in the south of the province.
The consortium was responsible for the turnkey supply of the HVDC converter equipment and associated facilities.
Siemens delivered system design and the manufacturing, supply and commissioning of the core HVDC technology, while Mortenson provided design support and construction services for the supporting infrastructure, such as converter station building, AC filters and DC switchyards.
Bipole 3 aims to improve the reliability of Manitoba’s electricity supply by reducing dependence on existing HVDC transmission lines to supply hydropower from northern generating stations, the consortium said.
Siemens Energy Management chief executive of transmission solutions Mirko Dusel said: “Our proven HVDC technology will enable Manitoba Hydro to integrate and deliver clean renewable energy while enhancing grid reliability and enabling power sharing.
“After commissioning, Bipole 3 will deliver renewable energy to southern Manitoba and the US, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.”
Mortenson general manager Mark Donahue said: “The successful delivery of Bipole 3 required synergy between our customer Manitoba Hydro and the consortium of Siemens and Mortenson, a mutual respect for each other’s expertise and a laser focus on the project goals and deliverables.
“The project management and construction experience we amassed through our years as a general contractor and an EPC partner were fundamental to the project’s success.”
Image: a similar converter station in Australia (Siemens)
Siemens crew converts Canada link
By EBS