Dam Design and Construction

BC Hydro updates on Site C reservoir filling schedule

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BC Hydro updates on Site C reservoir filling schedule

Crown provincial utility BC Hydro in Canada reported that the process to start reservoir filling on the 1.1 GW Site C project will begin in 2024.

Site C, under construction on the Peace River in northeastern British Columbia, is the largest and most expensive infrastructure project in the province’s history – with an estimated construction cost of $16 billion.

BC Hydro had been working on the option of starting reservoir filling this fall, which is one year earlier than scheduled. However, there are some critical work areas that still need to be completed before reservoir filling can begin, including the approach channel, spillway gates and powerhouse intake gates. With winter weather and colder conditions setting in, the window to safely begin reservoir filling was coming to a close. As a result, BC Hydro has made the decision to stay on track with its original project schedule.

Work on the Site C project will continue to advance and be ready for filling to begin next fall, according to a release. The project remains on track to achieve first power in 2024, have all six turbine-generator units in-service by 2025, and be completed within the approved budget.

Construction on Site C began in July 2015, and the project is more than 80% complete. Notable project areas already completed include the earthfill dam, Highway 29 realignment, two 75-km-long 500-kV transmission lines, and a new substation.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, construction of the Site C project was on schedule to be completed in 2024.

In August 2023, Hydro Review reported that BC Hydro reached a major milestone on the project with the completion of the earthfill dam. The dam stands about 60 m tall, stretches more than 1 km across the Peace River, and is about 500 m wide at its base.