Name of the Project
Bipole III high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission project.

Location
Manitoba, Canada.

Client
Manitoba Hydro.

Project Description
Bipole III is a new HVDC transmission project required to improve overall system reliability and dependability.

The project involves the construction of:
• a 500 kV HVDC transmission line linking the northern power-generating complex on the Lower Nelson river with the conversion and delivery system, in southern Manitoba;
• new converter stations in northern Manitoba, north-east of Gillam (Keewatinohk), and at the Riel station site, east of Winnipeg, as well as two ground electrodes – one at each converter station;
• an additional 230 kV transmission line interconnection in the north to tie the new converter station into the existing northern alternating current (ac) system.

Jobs to Be Created
Not stated.

Value
Not stated.

Duration
Construction began in early 2014 and has a projected in-service date of 2018.

Latest Developments
Voith Hydro Canada and Stuart Olson Industrial Constructors are ready to begin the mechanical portion of the installation process at the Riel converter station, which is under construction.

Essential equipment assemblies are making their way to the site so that the four synchronous condenser units can be installed at the station.

The Bipole III project requires synchronous condensers at the Riel converter station to support the operation of the HVDC equipment and conversion of dc power to ac for the southern Manitoba power grid.

The synchronous condensers will provide additional reactive power for the HVDC conversion process, while also controlling the ac voltage on the 230 kV bus at Riel to ensure reliable operation of Bipole III.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Manitoba Hydro, tel + 1 204 360 3233 or email publicaffairs@hydro.mb.ca.