MAY 2022
Changes from the Hydro Expansion
Key optimizations from the initial Atlin Hydro Expansion Project make Atlin’s Hydro Opportunity safer, smarter and more sustainable
Major changes
A SINGLE, BURIED PENSTOCK FROM SURPRISE LAKE TO THE LOWER POWERHOUSE
A major design improvement, a single, buried penstock will go from an updated control structure on Surprise Lake almost 19km to the Lower Powerhouse near
Warm Bay Road.
Why the change?
The Hydro Expansion concept introduced a series of weirs, control structures, and a problematic canal that together increased risks to animals and the public while failing to make the best possible use of available water.
9.2 MEGAWATT LOWER POWERHOUSE PELTON TURBINE INSTEAD OF A 2.8 MEGAWATT FRANCIS TURBINE AND A THIRD POWERHOUSE
A giant leap in efficiency, a more robust Lower Powerhouse directly connected to a low and then high-pressure penstock from Suprise Lake is capable of generating significantly more electricity within the same footprint and environmental impact.
This design optimization reduces new powerhouse construction by 50%.
Why the change?
After considerable professional review by several industry leaders, it became apparent that the planned 2.8MW Lower Powerhouse and additional new Powerhouse (beside the existing Powerhouse) was an ineffective use of the area’s unique geography (240m of head) and water.
AN INNOVATIVE AND WATER-SAVING SOLUTION TO FRAZIL ICE
The new buried penstock will pull water directly from Surprise Lake, carrying it past existing infrastructure on Pine Creek. An innovative design uses this warmer lake water to address frazil ice issues and better moderate flow to the existing Powerhouse.
Why the change?
Every winter frazil ice is a major cause of outages and introduces risks, causes many headaches and leads to the wasting of considerable water within the existing hydro operation.
Key other changes
THELP intends to submit an updated Clean Energy Development Plan to the Government of British Columbia in late June 2022 Summer 2022*
Historic environmental monitoring and stewardship to protect Pine Creek and Surprise Lake for generations
Problematic second powerhouse beside the existing powerhouse eliminated
Open head ponds, and higher risk canal element from previous design eliminated
Transmission lines in residential areas will now be buried
Additional weir structures eliminated
Entire penstock to be buried
UPDATE: Clean Energy Development Plan (CEDP) documents for Atlin’s Hydro Opportunity are now available.
*Apologies for the delay in CEDP submission. Additional optimization work has been accomplished.
Please note, we have established an archive of the Atlin Hydro Expansion Project online information from THELP. It can be found in the site footer.