BC Hydro has shortlisted three consortiums to design and construct the proposed CA$1.2 billion John Hart Generating Station Replacement Project, on Vancouver Island, Canada. The project will include the replacement of three 1.8km (5,900ft) long pipelines with a 2km (6,500ft) long, 8m (26ft) diameter tunnel, as well as the construction of a replacement generating station beside the existing six-unit 126MW John Hart station, a new water intake at the John Hart Spillway Dam and a new water bypass facility.
Eight companies responded to an open Request for Qualifications posted in March. Following a comprehensive evaluation BC Hydro shortlisted:
Elk Falls Energy Partners
- Ontario Pension Board / Brookfield Financial
- Bouygues Travaux Publics
- Fiera Axium Infrastructure
- Connor, Clark & Lunn GVest Traditional Infrastructure LP / Gracorp Capital Advisors Ltd
- Bouygues-Graham
- Knight Piesold Consulting
- ALSTOM Power & Transport Canada Inc
SNC-Lavalin Inc
- SNC-Lavalin Inc
- IMPSA
Salmon River Hydro Partners
- Bilfinger Berger
- Acciona
- Barnard Construction
- Klohn Crippen Berger
- Voith Hydro
- F&M Installations
- HMI Construction
- Siemens
A Request for Proposals has been issued to the three companies and BC Hydro expects to award the contract in summer 2013 with construction beginning soon after.
The project, which is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2018, will improve power reliability and seismic safety, and make it easier for BC Hydro to protect fish habitat in an area of the world renowned for its salmon. It will also create about 400 jobs a year over the five years of construction.
The John Hart Project is currently undergoing a review by the British Columbia Utilities Commission. BC Hydro anticipates a decision from the Commission by spring 2013.
Project fact file
- The John Hart facility has been operating since 1947. It’s one of the oldest generating facilities in BC Hydro’s hydro-electric system and one of the most important assets on Vancouver Island.
- The John Hart Generating Station Replacement Project will improve:
Safety. The existing generating station and pipelines may not withstand a low to moderate earthquake. The new facilities will be able to withstand a significant earthquake.
Reliability. The six generating units are in poor condition and their capacity is declining. The new generating units will ensure 835 gigawatt hours of reliable power are generated annually.
Environment. The environmental risk of a generating station shutdown and river flow reduction, with subsequent harm to fish habitat. The new water bypass facility will allow for continued river flow for fish and fish habitat.
- The cost of the project is currently estimated at $1 billion to $1.2 billion. This estimate will be refined as the project is further defined during the competitive proposal process.
- The existing station may continue to operate during the construction phase. BC Hydro will transfer operations during the commissioning period to the new facility.
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