As part of the contract, Valard will install about 500km of 500-kilovolt high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line between the Edmonton and Calgary regions.
The company has commenced preconstruction activities on the project, while construction activities are expected to begin soon.
Under the project, Valard will carry out all construction aspects of the project including foundation construction, tower assembly and erection, and conductor stringing.
Quanta Services president and chief executive officer Jim O’Neil said the rising demand for electricity in southern and central Alberta is anticipated to surpass the capacity of the 240-kilovolt transmission system currently delivering power to the area.
"The Eastern Alberta Transmission Line is a critical transmission infrastructure project designed to improve grid reliability now and in the future. We believe we are well positioned to safely execute this important project," O’Neil added.
Valard Construction president Adam Budzinski said, "Valard brings extensive experience, resources and a history of safe execution to the EATL project which, once in service, will be one of the first DC transmission lines in Alberta."
The EATL transmission line is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.
