BBE Hydro Constructors Limited partnership, a venture led by Bechtel and including Barnard Construction and EllisDon, is to begin construction later this year on the 695MW Keeyask Generating Station in northern Manitoba, Canada, following the award of a C$1.4 billion contract by Manitoba Hydro.
BBE Hydro Constructors will be responsible for building a seven-unit powerhouse, earthen structures, rock excavation, electrical and mechanical work, and the construction and removal of temporary cofferdams needed to manage the flow of the Nelson river during construction.
The first power from the plant is expected as early as 2019 with final completion scheduled for 2020. The Keeyask project has been developed by Keeyask Hydropower Limited Partnership, a collaborative effort between Manitoba Hydro and the local communities, including Tataskweyak, York Factory, Fox Lake, and War Lake First Nations.
"We are very pleased to have Bechtel on board as part of the group for this contract," said Bruce Barrett, vice president of Manitoba Hydro. "They know the river, they know the area, and we expect their experience with past projects in Manitoba’s north will be a real benefit to the joint-venture group."
Photo: Artists impression of the Keeyask Generating station. Courtesy of Manitoba Hydro
