Power
from
Piling
Cyntech and Keller contribute
to the Western Alberta
Transmission Line
By Jon Waldman
The Western Alberta Transmission Line (WATL) was
one of the highest impact projects in the Canadian
market in the last number of years, and Cyntech Canada
was among the companies proud to be part of
this monumental effort.
As outlined by the Alberta Electric System Operator,
there was a stark need for increased electrical supply in the
province. As stated by the Operator in a project overview,
“Increased demand for electricity in southern and central
Alberta is stressing the existing 240 kV system and transmission
reinforcement between the Edmonton and Calgary area
is required,” and that a pair of high voltage direct current
lines were going to be required to maximize efficiency and
accommodate long-term growth.
Though the planning and approval process began in 2010,
it took until the winter of 2013 for the project to commence.
On board for the project were AltaLink and SNC-Lavalin.
SNC then brought Cyntech on board for the project’s south
and central portions’ foundation work. As Brandon Hindbo,
operations manager at Cyntech Canada, says, the two companies
had worked together previously on global oil and gas
projects, but this would be the first time the two sides collaborated
through the former’s Transmission and Distribution
division.
Changing scope
Cyntech’s work on the WATL began on Sept.1, 2013. Originally,
as Hindbo says, the company was to design, manufacture and
install helical pile foundations for the project’s South Lot;
however, even before the project started, the involvement on
36 Q1 2016 www.pilingcanada.ca
/www.pilingcanada.ca
