The Bipole III Complex will help Manitoba explore more environmentally-friendly energy options

Bipole III Complex – Phase 1 Riel and Keewatinoow Converter Stations

The Bipole III complex is a high-voltage direct current transmission project that is setting out to reduce Manitoba’s dependence on fossil fuels. The project was designed to be executed in two phases, and we were brought in to help with the first—developing a technical plan and a design basis. This phase would feed the development of the Keewatinoow and Riel converter station specifications.

Our technical plans included construction facilities, site selection, access studies for road and rail, and a site grading and land drainage study. We also planned the water (supply, treatment, and distribution) and the wastewater (collection, treatment and disposal) infrastructure, as well as site circulation, and oil spill containment, collection, and disposal. To top it off, we planned the service buildings, switchyard and equipment steel structures, foundations, relay and switchgear buildings, and converter building requirements. Finally, a fire protection study was performed to keep everyone safe.

With our project management work as well as environmental licensing and construction support, Manitoba is one step closer to reducing their dependence on fossil fuels.

What’s next? Phase two is the development of a specification plan to support the technical layout that we’ve created.