Waneta Expansion Project reaches milestone
By Nelson Daily Staff
The Waneta Expansion Project south of Trail reached a milestone early Thursday morning when the first of two 117 tonne transformers were moved through the streets of Trail and onto the mega project near the Canada/US border.
The first of two 16-foot wide, 117 tonne transformers travels through downtown Trail on a 201 foot-long truck.
This move signals the kick-off of the second half of the project, with focus shifting from civil to mechanical and electrical work.
The transformers are critical pieces of equipment which increase the voltage from the generators before connecting them to the grid.
The $900 million Waneta Expansion Project will see the addition of a second powerhouse located immediately downstream of the Waneta Dam on the Pend d’Oreille River.
The expansion will share the existing hydraulic head and generate power from water that would otherwise be spilled.
Output from the new powerhouse will be stepped-up to 230 kV and delivered to BC Hydro’s Selkirk Substation through a new 10 km transmission line.
The expansion will produce clean, renewable, cost effective, power for all British Columbians.
Columbia Power is managing the construction of this project on behalf of the owners. Fortis Inc. 51%, Columbia Power 32.5% and Columbia Basin Trust 16.5%.
