Hydro-electric power station ahead of schedule

The plant will produce 4,400-gigawatt-hours of electricity per year

Renewable electricity has started being produced at Keeyask Generating Station in Manitoba, Canada, six-months ahead of the project’s control schedule, with a further six units to be added in the coming months.

When completed, the plant will produce an average of 4,400-gigawatt-hours of electricity per year; enough electricity to power 400,00 homes.

The Keeyask mega-project is a joint venture from Bechtel, Barnard and EllisDon. Work has been completed early due to the team working year-round through sub-arctic winters (with temperatures down to -40º C), and the pandemic. The joint ventures have been employing innovative logistics measures and tools, including placing extreme cold weather concrete during the winter months.

The electricity generated at Keeyask will not only power homes and businesses in Manitoba, but also allow Manitoba Hydro to meet its export commitments in both Canada and the US.

“This is a significant milestone in this iconic renewable project. Producing electricity six months ahead of schedule whilst navigating the challenges of Covid-19 is a tremendous accomplishment and testament to the dedication of each and every member of the Keeyask team,” said Kelvin Sims, Bechtel’s Infrastructure general manager, Americas.