SNC-Lavalin awarded landmark contract by Manitoba Hydro for Keewatinoow Switchyard

MONTREAL, July 14, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - SNC-Lavalin (TSX: SNC) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a contract by Manitoba Hydro to design and build the Keewatinoow 230-kV AC Switchyard located 775 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg. Valued at $112 million, this is the largest fixed-price EPC contract ever issued by Manitoba Hydro.

Keewatinoow will transfer power from the Nelson River's northern generating stations to Manitoba Hydro's customers in the south via the future Bipole III HVDC transmission line. Close to 1,400 kilometres long, Bipole III is required to improve the overall system reliability and dependability of Manitoba's power transmission and distribution network.

The Keewatinoow switchyard project consists of a nine-bay switchyard, including all grounding, bus work, lighting, apparatus, protection and controls. SNC-Lavalin will undertake the design, procurement, construction, and pre-commissioning work for the switchyard, and then assist Manitoba Hydro with the operational commissioning and training of facility staff.

"This contract represents a milestone in the working relationship between Manitoba Hydro and SNC-Lavalin, which extends back over 20 years," said Alexander (Sandy) Taylor, President, Power, SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. "We are pleased to put our extensive expertise in switchyard design and construction to use to help create a more reliable and efficient network for the people of Manitoba."

Early ground works have already begun and the project is expected to be substantially complete in mid-2017.

SNC-Lavalin is one of the leading engineering and construction groups in the world, and is a major player in the ownership of infrastructure and in the provision of operations and maintenance services. Founded in 1911, SNC-Lavalin has offices across Canada and in over 40 other countries around the world, and is currently active in some 100 countries. www.snclavalin.com

SOURCE: SNC-Lavalin