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​​Clover Bar Interconnection Project - The Edmonton Ne​​t-Zero Hydrogen Energy Complex

​​​Project upd​​ate – October 2022​

On October 13, 2022, EPCOR submitted a Facility Application to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) for the Project (AUC Proceeding No. 27676). EPCOR submitted a preferred and alternate route for the transmission line, for the AUC to consider. Before EPCOR can commence construction work, an approval from the AUC is required. Only one route will be approved and constructed. If approved, construction is planned to commence in Spring/Summer 2023.

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Proje​ct updates​​

View PDF versions of project updates.

Overview​

To support Air Products’ proposed new net-zero hydrogen production facility, EPCOR is proposing to construct a new 240 kilovolt (kV) single circuit, above-ground transmission line from the existing EPCOR owned Clover Bar Substation to a proposed new substation which will be owned and operated by Air Products. The new transmission line will connect the proposed Air Products’ substation to the electrical system.

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Project details Transmission line route options Stakeholder input Map and diagrams Regulatory process Proposed schedule Participate in the process Anticipated construction impacts
Project details

The proposed project i​ncludes:

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  • Constructing approximately four and a half kilometers of above-ground 240 kV transmission line from the Clover Bar Substation (1515 – 130 Avenue) to a proposed customer-owned substation within the Air Products' site located in the Clover Bar Area, south of Aurum Road (13004 - 33 Street);
  • Adding two 240 kV circuit breakers, associated switches and equipment within the existing Clover Bar Substation fence line.​​
Transmission line route options

Preferred and alternate transmission line route options​​​​

Based on the feedback received and research we have completed, EPCOR has identified a preferred and alternate route for the above ground transmission line that provides the lowest overall impact. Both routes will be presented to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) for their consideration.

The AUC is an independent quasi-judicial agency responsible for approving power transmission facilities in Alberta. EPCOR will submit a Facility Application to the AUC to build and operate the new facilities. If approved, the AUC will also select which route will be constructed.

Route evaluation 

Determining the route of a new transmission line is a complex process. EPCOR considered a number of important factors when evaluating possible routes, including:

  • Residential 
  • Environmental 
  • Electrical 
  • Cost 
  • Visual 
  • Special Constraints 
  • Existing Infrastructure 

The route options utilized the transportation utility corridor (TUC) and followed existing roadways and underground utilities. After receiving input during the consultation program and considering all the above referenced factors, we have selected Route C as the preferred route option and Route A as the alternate route. Route C was determined to best meet the technical requirements for the Project while also having the lowest overall impacts when compared to the other route options.

Since the February 2022 project notice, EPCOR has made a minor adjustment to the proposed Route C previously described to you. This adjustment moves the proposed route alignment approximately 250 metres (m) further east along Aurum Road and then heads south towards the Air Products facility. Please see the route options map below for the proposed revised route alignment. 

Route B has been removed from consideration due to stakeholder feedback, cost, and impacts to existing utilities.

Stakeholder input

​Throughout our discussions with stakeholders, various concerns and questions were brought forward. The feedback gathered during the consultation process was documented and will be included in the Facility Application filed with the AUC. 

Common project concerns included: 

  • Routing preferences and line location 
  • Line height and access 
  • Structure placement 
  • Third-party agreements and AC mitigation studies

Other concerns included construction impacts, electromagnetic fields (EMF), club root, overhead versus underground lines, property value and infrastructure development.

Rout​​ing preferences and line location 

Some stakeholders preferred the proposed transmission line to run on the south side of Aurum Road. After exploring this possibility, it was determined that the segment of the line within the TUC can follow the south side of Aurum Road, however, the line will be sited on the north side of Aurum Road outside of the TUC to avoid pre-existing underground constraints. 

Line heigh​​t and access 

If approved, the line will be constructed to meet safety codes, AUC requirements, as well as, Provincial and Federal Transport requirements. The line is expected to have wire clearance of 8.5 m at the lowest height (sag) of the line. Equipment heights provided to EPCOR during consultation confirmed access should not be an issue for these stakeholders. 

Structure plac​ement 

Based on current technical requirements for the preferred route, no structures are currently proposed on private property other than the parcel directly adjacent to the Air Products proposed facility and the parcel the proposed facility is located on​. We will contact landowners if structure placement is required on private property. If you have specific questions, regarding structure placement near your property, please contact EPCOR Consultation. 

Third-party agreem​ents and AC mitigation studies 

EPCOR will ensure all required third-party permits and agreements are in place prior to construction along the approved route. Once a route is approved by the AUC, an AC Mitigation Study will be conducted and provided to stakeholders directly impacted by tthe new transmission infrastructure, if required.

Map and diagrams

​Preferred and alternate route options map

 

Aurum Road cross sections


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​​Propose​​d structure type 

As shown below, the typical structures will be steel or composite monopoles, ranging in height from approximately 35 m to 40 m. The poles will be single circuit, meaning they will have three wires strung across them and one overhead shield wire on top (refer to Structure A below).
​​​ ​ 
H-frames or structures with wider bases may be installed where the line turns corners, has to span larger distances or has to cross existing infrastructure (transmission lines, roads or highways. These structures may be steel or composite and range in height from approximately 23 m to 40 m (refer to Structures B, C and D). The diameter of all structures at the ground surface will range between approximately 1.4 m to 2.5 m.

Clover bar substation site


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Regulatory process

The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is responsible for determining the need for the proposed project. The AESO will submit a Needs Identification Document (NID) with the AUC late summer in support of this project.

In late summer, EPCOR’s project team will submit a Facility Application to the AUC outlining the proposed project and the preferred and alternate route for the new 240 kV transmission line. Stakeholders can still provide feedback about this project to both EPCOR and the AUC while our Facility Application is being considered.

The AUC must approve the Needs Identification Document and the Facility Application before construction for the project can begin. The final decision on routing will be made by the AUC and although two routes were proposed, only one route will be built if approvals are granted.

About the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO)

The AESO is an independent, not-for-profit organization responsible for the safe, reliable and economic planning and operation of the provincial transmission grid. For more information about why this project is needed, please refer to AESO's Need Overview or visit www.aeso.ca​. If you have any questions or concerns about the need for this project or the proposed transmission development to meet the need, you may contact the AESO directly. 

You can also make your questions or concerns known to an EPCOR representative who will collect your personal information for the purpose of addressing your questions and/or concerns to the AESO. This process may include disclosure of your personal information to the AESO.​​

Alberta Electric Syste​​m Operator (AESO)​

Phone: 1 (888) 866-2959​
Email: stakeholder.relations@aeso.ca
Website: www.aeso.ca

About the Alberta ​Utilities Commission (AUC)

Alberta's electric system is regulated by the AUC. The AUC is an independent quasi-judicial agency that ensures the delivery of Alberta's utility service takes place in a manner that is fair, responsible and in the public's interest. The AUC must approve this project before EPCOR can begin work. For more information about how you can participate in the process, please refer to P​articipating in the AUC's independent review process, or visit the AUC website.

Contact the AUC​
Toll-free: ​1 (833) 511-4282
Phone: 310-4282​
Website: www.auc.ab.ca​​​​​​​​
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Proposed schedule
  • Febr​uar​y 2022
    Project notification mailed out. Public consultation activities began.
  • June 2022
    Project update mailed out.​
  • October ​2022
    EPCOR submits the Facility Application for approval to the AUC. Project update mailed out
  • May 2​​023
    If approved by the AUC, construction begins.
  • Winter 2​​​023
    Construction complete and facilities operating.​
Participate in the process

The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is responsible for determining the need for the proposed project. The AESO submitted a Needs Identification Document (NID) with the AUC on September 29 in support of this project. 

On October 13, EPCOR’s project team submitted a Facility Application to the AUC outlining the proposed project and the preferred and alternate route for the new 240 kV transmission line. Stakeholders can still provide feedback about this project to both EPCOR and the AUC while our Facility Application is being considered. 

The AUC must approve the Needs Identification D​ocument and the Facility Application before construction for the project can begin. The final decision on routing will be made by the AUC and although two routes were proposed, only one route will be built if approvals are granted.

Stakeholders along the rejected route will be removed from the Project contact list and will no longer receive project information. If you are not directly adjacent to the prop​osed project but would like to continue to receive project notices, please email consultation@epcor.com or sign up for updates​.​

Anticipated construction impacts

​What to ex​​​pect during the construction process

Construction Nois​​e 

The work will create typical noise associated with construction. We will comply with the City of Edmonton's Community Standards Bylaw for Noise Control. If it's necessary to temporarily exceed acceptable noise levels, we will work with the City of Edmonton to obtain the necessary permits.

Hours of Con​struction

As we proceed in finalizing the detailed work schedule, we will provide more information. Our hours of operation will comply with the City of Edmonton bylaws.

Road Closur​​es

Periodic lane closures may be required to complete this work. Signage will be used to detour traffic around the worksite. All road closures and detours will meet Provincial and Federal transportation requirements.

Power Sup​ply

EPCOR will notify you in advance if any power outages are required to support the construction activities. Notification is intended to support outage preparation for your household or business.

Work Space

All work areas will be safe and secure. All construction activities will be in accordance with the City of Edmonton bylaws, Alberta Occupational Health and Safety requirements and EPCOR's strict health, safety and environment program.​​

 

We w​​ould like your inp​ut

Contact ​EP​COR

EPCOR believes in listening to and engaging stakeholders. Community input and involvement is an important part of our decision-making. We believe in working towards solutions together and consulting with the public on initiatives.

If you have any questions or would like to provide input on this project, please contact us:

Call: (780) 412-4040
Email: consultation@epcor.com​​


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