SYDNEY, N.S. — Nova Scotia Power Inc. is looking for approval from the provincial regulator for a $110-million extension and modernization of its Wreck Cove hydroelectric facility.
A 250-page project package filed with the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, dated Feb. 21, outlines the work proposed for the facilities and the various options that were considered before the decision was made to modernize the site.
A spokesperson for the private utility indicated that, in respect to the NSUARB process, the company won’t speak about the project at this time.
“The Wreck Cove assets within the scope of the Project can no longer be operated reliably and require a major overhaul,” the project document states.
The Wreck Cove hydroelectric system is located in the Cape Breton Highlands and was commissioned in 1978. It is Nova Scotia Power’s largest hydroelectric system and consists of two generating stations: the Gisborne Generating Station, with an installed capacity of 3.5 megawatts, and the Wreck Cove Generating Station, with an installed capacity of 212 megawatts.
Wreck Cove collects drainage water from 216 square kilometres of the Cape Breton Highlands plateau to generate electricity. It's a unique plant, in that it was constructed in the side of the mountain and provides some interesting visuals for visitors.
It underwent a $13.5 million refurbishment in 2015, the first major work to take place there since its construction.
The work proposed would be the first and larger component of a two-phase project. The current project would include replacing the two Wreck Cove generator units; refurbishing the two turbine units and replacing the turbine runners; refurbishing the spherical valves; and upgrading the penstock intake.
The second phase, the document states, would primarily involve the rehabilitation of the station breakers and switchgear, and the replacement of the cooling water systems, as well as plant system upgrades.
“Wreck Cove provides critical capacity required to meet varying electrical loads, including peak hour demand, contributing to system reliability,” the document states.
It adds the objective of the project is to enable the Wreck Cove station to continue to provide renewable generation for the next 40 years. The facility is seen as being critical for meeting Nova Scotia Power’s environmental emissions caps and renewable energy targets.
There has been a number of studies performed on the facility over the past decade, and the project document notes that several issues were identified on the turbines, generators and main inlet valves.
Among the alternatives considered were refurbishing rather than replacing the runners and decommissioning Wreck Cove. But the project documents that the proposed project scope was the lowest cost option for customers by about $12 million when compared to refurbishment, once lifecycle costs are considered; and about $500 million as compared to decommissioning.
Nova Scotia Power is working with the Mi’kmaq to identify any potential areas of interest and will develop a plan to mitigate and address concerns, if required.
