The sixth turbine for the Mica Dam has arrived at it's destination following a 13,000-kilometre journey by land and sea from Germany.
The stainless steel turbine is 6.45 metres in diametre and weighs 137.5 tonnes – the equivalent of four humpback whales, according to BC Hydro.
Two new turbines are being installed at the Mica Dam, which was originally constructed with four turbines in the 1970s. The fifth turbine was delivered in June and is expected to be in service by late 2014, and the sixth unit at some point in 2015.
The two turbines will provide add 1,000 megawatts of capacity to the Mica Dam, increasing it's generating capability to 2,805 megawatts, making it the most powerful dam in the province.
Downie Timber assisted in the delivery of the two turbines, providing use of it's barge to transport the turbine down the Kinbasket Reservoir from Valemount to Mica.
Remaining work on Unit 5 includes installing the new turbine, generator and various electrical components to complete construction and tie the new unit to the rest of the Mica powerhouse system.
For Unit 6, work is ongoing to prepare the concrete and steel water passage that will channel water from the turbine into Lake Revelstoke.