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Tyson Creek, Renewable Power.
Sunshine Coast, British Columbia
The Tyson Creek Hydroelectric Project is a development in the early construction stages, located on British Columbia's Sunshine Coast. The project is at the head of the Narrows Inlet, which is an arm running from the Sechelt Inlet. (Sechelt is a native Salish word meaning: Land between two rivers).
Due to location and design factors, Tyson Creek will have the highest capacity factor (average megawatts delivered versus total ability of the plant) of any hydro project tendered to date. It will operate at capacity from 70 to 80% of the time, versus the norm of 40 to 60%. The site features a natural 875 meter drop, which will give it the highest head of any run-of -the-river plant in North America, enabling it to efficiently generate energy year round.
Unit Electrical Engineering (UEE) is providing all of the electrical engineering and design services, working in conjunction with the owner's consulting engineering company, Kerr, Wood, Leidel, who are providing civil and structural engineering for the project, Canyon Hydro, who are building the turbine, as well as other consultants who are assisting to bring this project to completion. The team-based coalition of engineering companies and professionals on this project has made for a truly unique and positive experience, where each of us have contributed in our areas of expertise.
The plant has been awarded an Electricity Purchase Agreement (EPA) by BC Hydro. The contract is for a 40 year period. The plant is expected to have a peak capacity of 9 megawatts and will on average provide power to 5500 homes. |
