Bipole III HVDC Project

In order to improve overall system reliability and security in the province of Manitoba, Manitoba Hydro required a new bipole using line commutated converters (LCC). That’s where we came in.

Working as owner’s engineer for this Bipole III project, our involvement included feasibility, planning, specification, and implementation support for the northern Keewatinohk and southern Riel converter stations, alternating current (AC) switchyards, electrodes and the synchronous condensers. At the onset of the project, we performed preliminary feasibility studies, including establishing the performance and design criteria requirements for the high-voltage, direct current (HVDC) system and the synchronous condensers. We developed the HVDC converter station technical specification, the AC switchyard technical specification and electrical aspects of the synchronous condenser technical specification. We then performed technical bid evaluations of the tenders and assisted Manitoba Hydro with contract negotiation and award. Through all phases, we assisted Manitoba Hydro with North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection (NERC CIP) compliance requirements and documentation.

The project was successfully commissioned in 2018 and we are continuing to provide support on an as-needed basis—we’ve been providing Manitoba Hydro with consulting services for over 50 years.