WorldWide Drilling Resource

From Coal to Solar: Nanticoke Solar Adapted from Information by Ontario Power Generation Ontario Power Generation (OPG), in partnership with the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, has completed its first-ever 44-megawatt (MW) solar facility at the former Nanticoke Generating Station. The Nanticoke Generating Station is located near Port Dover, Canada, on the shores of Lake Erie. It was first brought into service in 1972, and had a peak capacity of approximately 4000 MWs of power. They stopped using coal as fuel in 2013, having served Ontario for more than 40 years, providing reliable electricity when the system needed it. The station’s powerhouse is scheduled for demolition in September, and site restoration will follow in 2020. In 2016, the Independent Electricity System Operator awarded a contract to OPG and its partners to build Nanticoke Solar. This is OPG’s fourth First Nation partnership, furthering a legacy of producing clean and renewable power for the province. PCL Construction was awarded the construction contract for the Nanticoke Solar Project, as well as the supply contract for the project’s photovoltaic (PV) solar pan- els and racking system. A total of 192,431 solar panels were installed on the former coal yard and adja- cent agricultural lands. To build the expan- sive solar farm, more than 20,000 helical piles - long, steel anchors - were buried six feet into the ground, then metal racking was installed onto this solid foundation. Finally, the solar panels, with an average rating of 345 watts, were mounted onto the racks. Electrical equipment required to connect these panels to the power grid such as transformers, breakers, and alter- nating current - direct current (AC-DC) inverters were installed. The whole site is controlled by a protection and control building located in the substation. OPG’s Mike Martelli, president of renewable generation said, “Building and sustaining a clean, low-cost electricity system is fundamental to a healthy environ- ment and a strong, low-carbon economy. Nanticoke Solar is a continuation of OPG’s rich legacy of generating electricity in this community.” Andrew Moles, PCL Construction’s director of solar said, “Our company takes pride in all of the projects we build, and the Nanticoke Solar Facility is one of many exciting PCL-built projects in the rapidly growing sustainable energy sector. Through the expertise of our solar energy team, and the relationships fostered with top suppliers and consultants, we were able to construct, generate, and store reli- able, renewable power quickly and efficiently, while ensuring the highest standard of quality for OPG, First Nations, and the local community.” New & Used Bits, HDD Bits & Tools, Drag Bits & Wings, Bolt-On Drag Bits, Reverse Circulation Tools, Hole Openers, Claw Bits, Stabilizers, Subs, Custom Tooling & Welding, Hammer Bits, Drill Collars, Pipe Wipers, and Drill Pipe. Office: (661) 834-4348 Rod Henderson / Eran Henderson 661-201-6259 • 661-330-0790 sales@bitcobits.com www.bitcoinc.us 36 NOVEMBER 2019 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® Where are you planning to go? How about including these shows: Join WWDR See more events at www.worldwidedrillingresource.com online issue. Look for the WWDR Team in the red jackets at the Groundwater Week Expo at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, December 3-5, Booth #340. The 46 th Annual Kentucky Blasting Conference wi l l be December 5-6, at the Lexington Convention Center / Hyatt Regency Hotel in Lexington, Kentucky. The conference includes technical pre- sentations, workshops, and seminars on blasting methods, materials, and techniques. There’s also an exhibit area to view the latest products and equipment. Visit www.kyblastingconference.com ENV