Capital Projects
At the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, we recognize the importance of upgrading and maintaining infrastructure and equipment to provide superior power quality and reliability. Here are some of the things we are doing to keep the lights on in your community.
Jackfish Power Plant Berm and Transformer Installation
NTPC has completed a project at the Jackfish substation that will further protect the environment and provide additional security for Yellowknife electricity service.
The project included the installation of an oil containment berm around two high-voltage transformers and constructing a fire-rated partition between them.
Transformers can experience power surges that have the potential to involve them in fire or an explosion. One transformer would be capable of continuing to provide power to Yellowknife, but should both be rendered out of service the city's power requirements could not be sustained through diesel capacity alone.
Due to space limitations in the Jackfish yard the two transformers are in relatively close proximity to each other. So a fire-rated partition was erected between them.
NTPC has established minimal impact on the environment as one of its major goals with respect to ongoing operations and new projects. The transformers in the substation were not bermed. The substation is in close proximity to a body of water and the ground water level is high in this location. The berm provides oil containment and environmental protection in the event of a leak.
Maintaining facilities to a high environmental standard is part of NTPC's Mission Statement and it continues to filter its operating decisions through the lens of environmental leadership.
Replacing Bluefish!
Bluefish Dam is now 70 years old and has been kept serviceable by upgrades carried out in 1972, 1983 and 2007. The fact is, Bluefish Dam has reached the end of its life and there are risks to its continued use. The best option is to build a replacement dam. And that’s exactly what the Corporation is proposing to do.
The replacement dam will be located approximately 400 metres downstream from the current site. Pending regulatory and environmental approvals, construction of the dam is expected to be completed by spring of 2011. Until the replacement is operational, we've taken steps to reduce any risk to the environment. Click here to learn more.
Hydro Dam Upgrades
NTPC places high priority on hydro power. It’s clean and is not susceptible to market volatility like diesel power. That’s why Snare Hydro is receiving some major upgrades. One such plant at Snare; Snare Rapids has had a number of upgrades over the past few years. The 1948 vintage facility will have four single phase transformers replaced in 2009. The project will take place over two years and will increase reliability and extend the life of the generating facility. Like most of the infrastructure at a hydro facility, transformers last a long time. However, the existing transformers are over 60 years old and have reached the end of their service life.
Transmission Line Upgrades and New Power Poles
Bringing clean hydro power to our customers means more than upgrading our hydro electric facilities. We also have to ensure our transmission infrastructure is modern and well maintained. We are upgrading the transmission line from Pine Point to Fort Resolution and installing about 140 new power poles in 2009. These upgrades will extend the life of the transmission line and increase reliability.
Fuel Storage System Upgrades
Lutsel K’e will receive a new double-walled tank, replacing four dated fuel storage tanks. Fuel storage upgrades are part of NTPC’s plan to ensure its storage systems are modern and add maximum protection against environmental impact caused by potential tank leakage.
NTPC has replaced or upgraded its diesel fuel storage systems at a number of facilities over the past few years. NTPC will continue to replace and maintain its storage systems as needed.