The tremendous hydroelectric potential of the Nelson River in northern Manitoba has been appreciated by electrical power planners since the turn of the century. It wasn't until the 1960s, however, that it became feasible to pursue the development of the Nelson. That was when the technology became available for the long-distance transmission of high voltage direct current (HVDC) electricity. Manitoba Hydro has since become world renowned for its research and development in this field.
The Nelson River HVDC transmission lines accommodate two bipolar transmission systems called Bipole I and Bipole II. The term "bipole" refers to a positive (+) pole and a negative (–) pole. Each pole is comprised of two conductor cables which, in bundles 4 cm in diameter, are supported by the steel transmission towers. Bipole I is rated to transmit electricity at a voltage of ±450 kV and Bipole II is rated to transmit electricity at a voltage of ±500 kV.
Manitoba Hydro's two bipolar transmission lines are carried by two rows of identical steel towers which follow an 895-km route from Gillam southward through the Interlake region. The southern terminus of both transmission lines is Dorsey Converter Station at Rosser, which is about 26 km northwest of Winnipeg. One transmission line has its northern terminus at Radisson Converter Station near Gillam. The other extends another 42 km northeast to Henday Converter Station.
Request a brochure on this topic by contacting us at publicaffairs@hydro.mb.ca.
