Voith to Supply Synchronous Condensers to Manitoba Hydro's Riel Project

MONTREAL, June 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Voith Hydro and its consortium partner were officially awarded the contract for the Riel Synchronous Condensers project by Manitoba Hydro. This project consists of the design, supply, installation and commissioning of four (4) synchronous condensers each rated 250 MVAR complete with Balance of Plant equipment, civil foundations and buildings.

The Riel electrical station is located near the city of Winnipeg (capital of Canada's Province of Manitoba) and is at the junction of major high voltage power lines. The synchronous condensers are required to provide grid stability given the fact that major powerhouses are hundreds of kilometers away from major consumption centers. These synchronous condensers can basically be compared to horizontal generators. In the Riel Project case, the Synchronous Condenser assemblies are sealed to allow for hydrogen cooling. They do not produce "real" energy, no turbines are attached, and will rather support the Manitoba Hydro grid in reactive power (MegaVar).

"We are extremely proud and excited to work together with our consortium partner, Stuart Olson, on this innovative project. It represents an important new reference for Voith and will position our company well for new opportunities, not only in Canada, but also globally in the synchronous condensers market," says William Malus, President and CEO Voith Hydro Inc. (Canada).

The civil work will begin in 2015 and the four (4) units are set to be in-service in 2018. Voith is the consortium lead and has the majority of the supply scope and will be leading the commissioning activities while its consortium partner Stuart Olson is taking care of the civil, infrastructure work and mechanical & electrical Balance of Plant including the overall equipment installation work. Voith initiated the development of the opportunity work on this project in 2009. These long term efforts allowed Voith to provide the customer with a detailed and complete solution as part of its proposal. The expertise and support of various Operating Units around the globe were key in making Voith the preferred proponent. This project is a great example of the company's international collaborative expertise and innovation capabilities.

About the Company

Voith sets standards in the markets energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, Voith employs more than 39,000 people, generates € 5.3 billion in sales, operates in about 50 countries around the world and is today one of the largest family-owned companies in Europe.

The Importance of Hydropower

Hydropower is the largest, oldest and also most reliable form of renewable energy generation. Worldwide it makes an indispensable contribution to stable power supplies and hence to economic and social development – both in industrial countries and in emerging markets. At the same time, hydropower significantly contributes to climate-protecting energy generation. Voith has been a leading supplier of this technology since the early beginning, and continuously develops it further.

Contact:
Dr. Vesna Stirnadel                                          
Communications
Voith Hydro Holding
Tel. +49 7321 37-6529
[email protected]

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SOURCE Voith Hydro