ACCIONA Infrastructure Canada and its Peace River Hydro partners, Petrowest Corporation and Samsung C&T Canada Ltd., have been named preferred proponent by BC Hydro for the main civil works construction of the Site C clean energy project.
The Site C project has been estimated at a value at $8.3 billion, making it one of the largest infrastructure projects underway in Canada.
Main civil works is the largest single contract for construction on the Site C project. It includes the construction of an earthfill dam, two diversion tunnels, and a concrete foundation for the generating station and spillways. The Canadian subsidiary of Spanish conglomerate ACCIONA estimates the construction work will create over 8,000 person years of employment over the eight-year contract.
“Our team at ACCIONA Infrastructure Canada is excited to be a part of building a legacy project for British Columbians that will provide clean energy for generations to come,” says ACCIONA Canada president Darren Sokoloski. “This project marks 15 years of successful infrastructure delivery in Canada for ACCIONA and aligns with our mandate for excellence in major project delivery globally. We look forward to once again be working with our partners in Fort St. John and we remain strongly committed to creating jobs and opportunities for northern British Columbians.”
ACCIONA Infrastructure Canada is looking forward to returning to British Columbia’s northern Peace region following the successful completion of construction and ongoing operation of the Fort St. John Hospital. The $270 million (CAD) project comprised the construction and the design of the centre and its operation and maintenance throughout the entire period of the concession. The Site C Clean Energy Project marks ACCIONA’s third major project in B.C.
In a separate news release, Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) president Paul de Jong congratulated BC Hydro on selecting ACCCIONA as its preferred partner for the Site C project.
“We have encouraged BC Hydro to take the ‘open managed site’ approach to this project and today they confirmed their commitment to ensuring that British Columbians, regardless of labour model, will be able to work on Site C,” de Jong said.
“Peace River Hydro Partners is a fantastic choice to work on Site C. Its members have a strong commitment to BC workers labour — hiring local workers first, with a special emphasis upon those from First Nations communities. PCA sees this as a win-win for both the workers and taxpayers of British Columbia.”