Yukon Energy’s Mayo B Dam project aims to boost power generation

Construction on the $160 million Mayo B Dam project in the Yukon is underway after Yukon Energy received all the permits necessary to start groundwork on the project.

Construction on the $160 million Mayo B Dam project in the Yukon is underway after Yukon Energy received all the permits necessary to start groundwork on the project.

“It’s our job to provide Yukoners with enough clean, affordable and reliable electricity to keep the lights on and keep businesses thriving,” said Yukon Energy president David Morrison.

“Mayo B fits that mandate. It enhances our existing hydro infrastructure, supplies additional clean energy and has a small environmental footprint.”

The initiative involves building a new powerhouse that will increase the ability to generate power from five megawatts to about 15 megawatts, without making any changes to the Wareham dam.

Yukon Energy awarded a $85.4 million construction contract for the project to Peter Kiewit Sons Co.

Kiewit worked with Yukon Energy’s engineers to finalize a cost-effective and efficient design.

It also helped with the tender process for the turbine/generator package and worked with Yukon Energy to determine costs.

Initial work will include clearing and grubbing (removal of stumps, roots and shrubs) of the area, where the penstock will be located.

While land-based construction of Mayo B is starting, the water-based work won’t take place until summer 2011. Mayo B is expected to be completed no later than March 2012.

The project will create jobs for about 150 people over the next two years.

Kiewit has set up a hiring office in Mayo and is working with the First Nation of Na-cho Nyak Dun and the community of Mayo to ensure local employment and business opportunities during construction.