Hatch launches global HVDC and FACTS center of excellence

Manitoba, Canada—Nearly three years since its inception, Hatch is officially launching its global center of excellence for high voltage direct current (HVDC) and flexible AC transmission systems (FACTs). Headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and supported by global satellite teams in Africa, Australia, Chile, and the United Kingdom, the center of excellence leverages the long-standing HVDC expertise present in Manitoba and will build upon the 16,000 MW of HVDC and FACTS services delivered internationally—over four continents—to date.

“Nearly one billion people remain without access to electricity. Our aim is to not only drive large quantities of clean, renewable energy from the point of generation to load centers, but also to shape the electricity grid of the future by using accessible sustainable power. This will require innovative thinking and our growing team of HVDC and FACTS experts based in Manitoba is just the group to tackle this real-world problem,” shares Robert Francki, Global Managing Director, Energy, Hatch.

Over the next few year, the global HVDC transmission market is expected to witness significant growth. To support this anticipated growth, as well as their clients’ toughest large-scale power transmission and distribution challenges, Hatch has laid the foundation to be the world leader in HVDC and FACTS related services.

“What’s unique about our team,” adds Dan Kell, Global Lead, HVDC and FACTS, “is that we’ve assembled a group of recognized engineers from utilities, design, consulting, manufacturing, and academic backgrounds—a mix of skills and experience that truly reflects a deep understanding of all project aspects. Equipped with this vital range of skills, we will continue to deliver many important projects on time and on budget, all while advancing our expertise in this domain—which will be critical to enabling more forms of green energy.”

From owner’s engineer services to project development and delivery, power systems studies, specification development, detailed design, construction supervision, factory witness testing, through to commissioning support and operational readiness, the center of excellence provides international clients with a comprehensive HVDC and FACTS service offering that enables the integration of both onshore and offshore projects. Hatch's notable and recent HVDC and FACTS projects include:

• The Maritime Link project which consists of a new 500 MW, +/- 200 kV bipole high voltage transmission system connecting Newfoundland and Nova Scotia’s power systems
• Owner’s engineering for the Matiari-Lahore HVDC Transmission project—a 878-kilometre-long, 660kV HVDC transmission line being constructed under the framework of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
• The Cahorra Bassa Songo Converter Station refurbishment project, which will see the complete refurbishment of the +/-533kV, 1920MW converter station that has been in service since 1979.

Hatch’s presence in Manitoba dates back to 1965. Over that period, Hatch has continuously served Manitoba Hydro on signature hydroelectric projects, including providing all preliminary and detailed engineering for the 695 MW Keeyask Generating Station. Hatch has also worked on important flood control schemes for Manitoba, as well as for other provinces and in the USA. Today, the Winnipeg office supports the Energy, Infrastructure, and Mining sectors, providing a variety of geotechnical, engineering, and project delivery services.

Rauf Ahmed, Global Discipline Lead, Electrical Engineering and Winnipeg’s office manager adds, “Our footprint in Manitoba goes back more than 55 years, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting the region by contributing to the local economy. Whether that is providing local employment opportunities or growing a niche skillset, we want to give back to a community that has given us so much.”

Find out more about Hatch’s transmission and distribution capabilities or click here to see what opportunities are available near you.

About Hatch

At Hatch, we offer comprehensive services to the mining and metals, energy—oil and gas and power—and infrastructure sectors. This includes engineering, project execution, advisory, performance improvement, digital, environmental, earth sciences, and Indigenous engagement. Our engineering and project delivery skills cover all phases of activity—conceptualization, design, construction management, start-up and ramp-up, to full operations—all of which are supported by an unparalleled ability to implement novel technologies and upgrade mature operations. Our six decades of experience allows us to respond quickly with sustainable solutions that are smarter, more efficient, and more innovative. We draw upon our 9,000 staff operating in over 18 nations with experience spanning more than 150 countries, to challenge the status quo and create positive change for our clients, our employees, and the communities we serve. We are entrepreneurs with a technical soul.

To learn more, go to: www.hatch.com.