Beijing, China, August 7 - A consortium agreement was signed in Beijing on August 2 for Manitoba Hydro (MH) Bipole III project between C-EPRI, China National Technical Import & Export Corporation (CNTIC), and Central Southern China Electric Power Design Institute (CSEPDI). Important attendants from the three signing parties included Mr. Yufeng Qiu (on behalf of C-EPRI), Vice President of State Grid Smart Grid Research Institute; Mr. Weiming Sun, Executive Vice President of CNTIC; and Mr. Zifeng Zhu, Vice President of CSEPDI.

MH Bipole III ±500kV HVDC project will be built for hydropower output in the lower reaches of Nelson River at a capacity of 2300MW, via a 1400km overhead line. The benefit associated with this construction is that it will enhance the reliability of the existing Bipole I and Bipole II systems. Completion of this project is expected at the end of 2017.

C-EPRI has been steadily moving into the international HVDC market in recent years by introducing itself to utility clients. In January 2013, a delegation from C-EPRI visited Manitoba Hydro, who then paid a return visit in April the same year. The exchange of visits has left MH a deep impression on C-EPRI’s converter valve technologies, which laid a solid foundation for C-EPRI’s involvement in the Bipole III project.

The force that brings the three companies together is that they complement each other in delivering a turnkey project. During the meeting a wide range of specific topics were discussed, such as IPR, engineering consultancy, civil works, installation and after-sales service. Each party showed willingness and confidence in the collaboration, and altogether they outlined a roadmap for future work.