Powering up rough terrains for CNRL

CNRL 34.5 kV Construction Power Facilities

A power distribution network that requires 30 km of overhead distribution lines and underground cables is nothing short of complex. Canada Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) wanted exactly that when it came to powering up one of their more remote construction facilities, some 75km northwest of Fort McMurray.

As one of Canada’s largest independent crude oil and natural gas producers, CNRL prides themselves on the high levels of safety they exercise during production. So when they turned to Valard and Stantec to design this particular power distribution system, we knew our scale had to be large and furiously detailed.

The project involved designing the installation of 17 kilometers of distribution lines, along with 12 kilometers of underground cables. Stantec’s power distribution system design energized the facility’s transformers, street lighting, intersection lighting, and other onsite equipment. Mounting power lines and switches on the area’s non-conventional wood structures also presented itself as a unique challenge in the design.

We used PLS-CADD to design and generate plans, profiles, sag tension reports and stringing charts to refine our vision for the facility. Hardware lists, load sizing, and as-built drawings were produced to ensure CNRL had a comprehensive guide to constructing a power distribution system that would grow their business and ensure the safety of their staff and surrounding communities.