Grand Coulee Dam: Third Powerplant Overhaul Project |
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On the western hillside above Grand Coulee Dam, workmen in neon green t-shirts straddle a partially built transmission tower hundreds of feet high. The crew, barely visible against a maze of power lines and steel structures, are building six new towers that will support 18 power lines coming from the Third Powerplant across the Columbia River. The new towers are part of a year-long effort to install new 500-kV overhead transmission lines and high voltage towers. The lines stretch from the powerplant, across the Columbia River, over the visitor center area, and then proceed uphill to existing lines that transfer power into the Bonneville Power Administration’s regional grid network. (Video by Kirsten Strough, Visual Information Specialist) |
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Overview | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
The six generating units in the Third Powerplant (TPP) have been in service since the mid-1970s. Age-related wear is beginning to create problems which have resulted in increased power outages and reduced reliability. The overhaul project will ensure continued operation of the powerplant and allow Reclamation to provide a reliable source of hydroelectric power to the region. Reclamation is preparing for the overhaul outages by identifying specific repair needs, performing detailed analysis, performing design work, and seeking contracts for work to be completed prior to overhaul. A considerable amount of the Planning and Design work is being accomplished in partnership with Architect-Engineering companies under contract with Reclamation. These efforts will result in improved reliability of equipment that is needed to support the overhaul, will identify ways to minimize outage durations, and will reduce the likelihood and magnitude of increases to outage time. |
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Project Summary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Projects to be Completed Prior to the Overhaul | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Third Powerplant Overhaul-Related Projects | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Photo Gallery | Base Scenario Animation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Third Powerplant Generating Units Overhaul Activities EA Addendum | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Third Powerplant Generating Units Overhaul Activities EA & FONSI | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Grand Coulee's Third Powerplant 500-Kilovolt Transmission Line Replacement Project FONSI | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Grand Coulee's Third Powerplant 500-Kilovolt Transmission Line Replacement Project EA (BPA) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Project Update - Third Power Plant (TPP) Status Report – September 21, 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Tentative Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Activity | Start | Finish | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Overhaul Units G22-24 |
March 2009 |
September 2017 |
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Design |
March 2009 |
January 2010 |
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Contracting |
January 2010 |
May 2011 |
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Construction |
March 2013 |
September 2017 |
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Overhaul G-24 |
March 2013 |
September 2014 |
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Overhaul G-23 |
September 2014 |
March 2016 |
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Overhaul G-22 |
March 2016 |
September 2017 |
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Overhaul Units G19-G21 |
January 2018 |
December 2024 |
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Material Storage Bldg |
June 2008 |
October 2012 |
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TPP Elevators |
June 2008 |
February 2013 |
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Modify Fixed-Wheel Gate Chamber |
June 2008 |
February 2013 |
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Rehab TPP Cranes |
June 2008 |
February 2013 |
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New TPP Exciters |
May 2007 |
May 2013 |
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New TPP Governor Controls |
September 2008 |
May 2013 |
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Replace 236MVA Transformers |
November 2006 |
December 2011 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
New 500KV Cables |
February 2009 |
December 2013 |
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News Releases | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
05/12/2011 Reclamation Awards $102 Million Contract for Overhaul of Third Powerplant at Grand Coulee Dam |
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03/04/2009 Reclamation Awards $2 Million Contract for Grand Coulee Third Powerplant Project Planning | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
02/27/2009 Reclamation Prepares EA on Proposed Grand Coulee Third Powerplant Overhaul | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Contacts | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Last Update: September 27, 2012 3:32 PM |