Summary

A number of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) projects are being contemplated to boost interconnectivity across Canada. These interconnections between regions and even countries are needed more than ever as more renewable energy sources are added to the grid to offset retirements of coal-fueled power plants and to meet load growth driven by increased electrification. HVDC is an optimal way to transmit bulk electricity across long distances on the grid.

However, HVDC projects are putting pressure on global supply chains as well as regional decarbonization timelines. Given these constraints and elevated risks to cost and schedule, how should utilities and developers approach planning for their HVDC projects? In this webinar, Marianne Goldsborough and Ahsan Upal discuss some key considerations and provide an opportunity to ask questions.

Speakers

Ahsan Upal, Moderator

Regional Manager, Canadian Business Development

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As the national business development leader, Ahsan works with Canadian utilities, applying technology-driven approaches to help them solve their toughest challenges.

Marianne Goldsborough

HVDC Business Line Lead and Senior Project Manager

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Marianne specializes in development and construction management of transmission and substation projects, including budgeting, scheduling, contract negotiation and procurement for high-voltage direct current projects across Canada and the U.S.

Peter Kuffel

Project Manager

Peter Kuffel is an electrical engineer with over 35 years’ experience specializing in HVDC & FACTS systems, having participated in over twenty HVDC & FACTS projects worldwide. His involvement has covered the full spectrum of project execution from initial feasibility studies to specification, design review, factory testing, commissioning, and operation and maintenance of HVDC and FACTS assets. Working as a utility engineer, owner’s engineer, consultant, and also on behalf of HVDC suppliers has given Peter a unique understanding of the complexity of HVDC systems and challenges to successful HVDC project execution.

Paul Turner

Project Manager

Paul Turner is an electrical engineer and a project management professional working in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He has been working on major capital projects in the aerospace, power generation, HVDC transmission, and wastewater treatment industries for over 20 years. Through this experience, he has gained valuable insight into the importance of the commissioning phase of projects, and the necessity to start with the end-in-mind to successfully complete commissioning of complex projects on-time and on-budget.