The connection of the Hydro One Dinorwic Junction transmission network and the Pickle Lake substation carried out by our High Voltage team, as part of the Wataynikaneyap electricity transport project, was undertaken to address a critical need for electricity access in 17 isolated First Nations communities in Ontario.
This ambitious and innovative project involved a series of major works to establish a reliable and sustainable electrical infrastructure in often hostile environments, while reducing dependence on diesel generators, thus promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of life for local populations. Initiated by Wataynikaneyap Power, a company majority-owned by 24 First Nations in partnership with Fortis Inc. and other private investors, the project aimed to replace aging diesel generators, unable to meet the growing demand for energy, with a more reliable and environmentally friendly source of electricity.
The main components of the project included the installation of nearly 300 kilometers of 230kv overhead transmission lines, stretching from Dinorwic to Pickle Lake in northwestern Ontario. New transmission connection facilities were erected in the Dinorwic region, along with a new transformer station in the township of Pickle Lake. These works required a 40-meter-wide deforested area to accommodate the poles and wires of the power transmission line, as well as a 2-kilometer-wide corridor for construction activities.
By introducing the latest technology in the field of control and remote operation of high-voltage equipment, the project was able to benefit from advanced solutions to ensure the reliability and operational efficiency of the electrical infrastructure.
Moreover, the design of the substation infrastructure utilized the latest and most powerful design tools for civil works, ensuring optimal performance even in the harsh climatic conditions of northern Ontario. The installations were designed to withstand severe winter storms, with an unmanned station equipped with remote control capabilities, connected to the Ontario grid to allow autonomous operation without the need for on-site manpower for daily operations.
This project goes beyond improving electrical supply. It is an initiative that brings economic prosperity and social stability to northern communities, offering opportunities for sustainable development and a more promising future for all those involved.
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