Meikle Wind Energy 230kV Switchyard

Allteck was the General Contractor responsible for the interconnection of the Meikle Wind Energy facility, BC’s largest wind farm owned by Pattern Energy, to the BC Hydro grid. The scope of work consisted of constructing a three (3) breaker ring 230 kV switching station with three (3) line positions, which included civil, electrical, protection and control, communications, mechanical, and environmental work. The station was inserted into the 2L313 230 kV transmission line to provide interconnection of the Meikle Wind Energy independent power producer to the BC Hydro transmission network. The substation completion and in service date was three weeks ahead of schedule and the overall cost was under the project budget.

 The Challenges

• As the project was completed during winter months, low temperatures, averaging -20 C, did not facilitate the completion of civil work. Provided that approximately 600 cubic meters of concrete were poured into fifty six (56) spread footing foundations up to 20 feet underground, non-conventional work methods were employed

Specialized Work Methods

•  Specialized heating and constructing a 10,000 sq. ft. hoarding was required to install the control building foundations in non-frozen conditions. These techniques aided in executing the work efficiently, which resulted in the compression of the project schedule.