The Fort McMurray West 500kV transmission project involves two new 500kV substations and approximately 500km of transmission line between the Wabamun area west of Edmonton and the Fort McMurray area.
Under the contract, Quanta will provide engineering, procurement and construction services for the entire project.
Led by Valard Construction, a Quanta Services company, the team will leverage the Quanta’s operating units’ capabilities.
Construction is scheduled to commence in 2017 following securing necessary permits and rights of way for the project, which is planned for completion in 2019.
Quanta Services president and chief executive officer Jim O’Neil said: "We believe this is the largest engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) electric transmission project ever awarded in North America and our selection for this project demonstrates confidence in our ability to work with partners to successfully deliver cost- and risk-efficient infrastructure solutions to the competitive transmission marketplace.
"Quanta brings significant scope, scale and financial resources, as well as a track record of safely executing large, complex projects, to the Fort McMurray West 500 kV Transmission Project."
The new 500kV transmission line, which will form an important part of Alberta’s electricity grid, is expected to boost capacity of the electricity system and address increasing growth in northeastern Alberta.
The project will also meet objectives identified in the AESO Long-term Transmission System Plan.
