The last of seven generating units have been placed in service at the 695MW Keeyask hydro project in Manitoba, Canada.
The project consists of a seven-unit powerhouse separated from a seven-gate spillway on the south side of Gull Rapids, all connected by three dams across the rapids.
There are 23km of dykes on the north and south side, with a total reservoir area of approximately 93 square km.
Keeyask is a collaborative effort undertaken by the Keeyask Hydropower Limited Partnership – a partnership between Manitoba Hydro and the Keeyask Cree Nations.
The Keeyask Cree Nations is itself a partnership of four First Nations – Tataskweyak Cree Nation, War Lake First Nation, York Factory First Nation, and Fox Lake Cree Nation.
The generating station is located on the Nelson River approximately 30km west of Gillam, in the Split Lake Resource Management Area and within the ancestral homeland of the four partner First Nations.
The work was carried out by a Bechtel-led team that also includes Barnard Construction Company and EllisDon.
Manitoba Hydro director of project management Dave Bowen said: “Keeyask has created jobs and opportunities for thousands of people since construction began in 2014.
“As the fourth largest generation station in Manitoba, it will supply reliable, renewable power to our customers’ homes and businesses for decades to come, virtually carbon free.”
Bechtel Infrastructure general manager Kelvin Sims said: How we generate electricity is more important than ever before.
“The Keeyask project overcame many engineering challenges, balancing difficult construction conditions while abiding by stringent environmental guidelines.
“This impressive project was possible through ingenuity and tenacity of people that contributed to its completion.”