Areva wins Riel Station Switchyard contract

Manitoba Hydro Riel Station enhances grid reliability for Winnipeg and Southern Manitoba, segmenting the 500 kV line to inject into the 230 kV system, with Areva T&D switchgear, protection, automation, and substation controls.

Areva’s Transmission and Distribution (T&D) division in Canada has won an Engineering and Procurement contract to supply Manitoba Hydro with a 500/230 kV Air-insulated Switchyard at Riel Station east of Winnipeg.

The project forms part of Manitoba Hydro’s Riel Reliability Improvement Initiative, which aims to improve the reliability of electrical transmission to Winnipeg and Southern Manitoba, including Winnipeg's underground infrastructure upgrades.

Under the initiative, the new Riel Station will increase reliability by creating an alternate point at which electricity imported from the United States at 500 kV can be injected into southern Manitoba’s 230 kV transmission system, complementing a 230 kV line to North Dakota under development.

The 500 kV high-voltage transmission line, which currently operates between Dorsey Station northwest of Winnipeg, and Forbes Station in Minnesota, will be segmented at Riel to create a seamless link to Minnesota between Dorsey, Riel, and Forbes.

The station, part of a new hydro station project, will also include equipment manufactured by Areva T&D, such as high-voltage circuit breakers, disconnect switches, instrument transformers, medium voltage switchgear, substation protection and control, and automation.

Michel Augonnet, Executive Vice President of Areva T&D’s Systems Business noted, “We’re very proud to continue our long term relationship with Manitoba Hydro, one of the largest energy utilities in Canada and Manitoba’s major utility, and to support them in their strong focus on reliable and efficient electrical transmission, including ongoing transmission system improvements efforts.”

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