Site C Construction Takes Big Step Forward

April 4, 2017

BC – BC Hydro’s Site C project recently reached a milestone as the turbines and generators contractor mobilized to the construction site.

Voith Hydro Canada, which was awarded the $470-million contract in March 2016, will design, supply and install six vertical axis, Francis-style turbines, six generators and associated equipment for Site C.

Turbines and generators convert the power of falling water into electricity, which is then transformed and fed into the provincial electricity grid. The performance of a turbine and generator is critical to the success of Site C. These turbines and generators will be custom designed and built to suit the site-specific conditions of the project.

Voith Hydro has a strong track record with similar complex projects. Voith has provided equipment for a number of BC Hydro projects, including: Revelstoke Unit 5 Project, Ruskin Dam and Powerhouse Upgrade, and the Gordon M. Shrum Turbine Replacement Project.

About 150 workers will be on site during the peak of installation for the turbines and generators in 2022, which will occur in the powerhouse. The majority of this work will be performed by millwrights, electricians, pipefitters and boilermakers, with opportunities for apprentices in each of those trades.

Voith Hydro Canada, through the Construction Labour Relations Association, negotiated a labour agreement with the Bargaining Council of British Columbia Building Trades Unions, which represents construction craft unions in BC. The labour agreement includes participation from 10 BC Building Trades Unions for the installation of the turbines and generators for Site C.

After mobilizing to the site, Voith Hydro Canada will start work on a temporary on-site manufacturing facility. Excavation and foundation preparation for the manufacturing facility will start this month and construction of the facility building is expected to be completed in August.

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