Section Links - Main






Cable Laying Ship - courtesy of ABB Inc.
 
FAQ
 

Justification

Q: How would the Project benefit Vancouver Island?

  • The project would improve transmission system reliability and allow for more flow of electricity from the Mainland to Vancouver Island. This flow would help meet current and future electricity needs of Vancouver Island residents.
  • Regional renewable energy producers could use the JdF Cable as an avenue to get electricity to the market. This would encourage and promote development of renewable resources on both sides of the border, benefiting residents of both Canada and the U.S. by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. (One of Sea Breeze Pacific Juan de Fuca Cable, LP’s parent companies is Sea Breeze Power Corp. which is involved in the development of wind power and ‘run-of-river’ hydro).
  • On a more local level, Sea Breeze is committed to leaving construction areas in better condition than before construction began. Sea Breeze is very interested in collaborating with municipalities on infrastructure upgrades where they make sense.
  • The Juan de Fuca Cable Project will safeguard Vancouver Island from emergency power shortages.
  • The Cable would allow power to flow between the U.S. and Canada.
  • Improving access to electricity markets for power producers would promote energy development in B.C., which could promote job creation and provide new sources of provincial revenue.
  • HVDC Light® is more environmentally benign than AC technology. The Cable will be sited, designed, constructed and operated in a manner that will avoid and minimize impacts to environmental and marine resources.

Electric and Magnetic Fields

Q: What is the difference between AC and DC?

The magnetic field surrounding a DC cable is constant, much like that of the Earth’s own magnetic field.

“AC” stands for “Alternating Current,” and “DC” for “Direct Current”.  DC current flows steadily in a single direction.   AC current continuously switches direction; alternating between going "forwards" and going "backwards”.  If this repetition occurs sixty times per second, then the “frequency” of repetition is said to be 60 Hertz (cycles per second).  Sixty Hertz is the standard for North American utility companies. DC power, since it does not vary repetitively, is said to have zero frequency.

The flow of current in a cable creates a magnetic field around that cable.  Since the current in DC systems is constant, and does not vary, the magnetic field around the cable also is constant and unvarying.  On the other hand, the changing current in cables carrying AC current creates a varying electromagnetic field (EMF) around the AC cable. 

This varying EMF in AC cables can induce electrical voltages and currents in nearby objects (including people and other organisms), which is thought by some to be harmful.  

Q: Are EMFs emitted from the Juan de Fuca Cable?

As noted in the response to the previous question, DC cables do not generate fluctuating EMFs.  The static magnetic field surrounding a DC cable is weak, and the strength of the field falls off rapidly with distance from the cable. 

The strength of magnetic fields is measured in units of “Gauss". Naturally occurring magnetic fields, such as that of the Earth, are relatively weak, and are measured in milli-Gauss (1 milliGauss is 1/1000 of a Gauss).  In the Vancouver area the Earth’s magnetic field strength is roughly 570 milliGauss.

Since the Juan de Fuca Cable will be buried to a depth of 1 to 2 metres, the field strength for someone standing on the ground directly above it will be only slightly more than the Earth’s natural magnetic field.  As their distance from the cable increases, the field strength falls off rapidly.

To put this field strength in perspective, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has established protection guidelines for general, continuous, public exposure to static (DC) fields. Constant exposure of up to 400,000 milliGauss is considered safe by these guidelines, which is roughly 500 times the strength of the field that would be created by the Juan de Fuca Cable.

Q: Are there any safety issues for kids playing near HVDC cables (either buried under streets or under a multi-use trail)?

As noted in the response to the previous question, ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) health and safety guidelines allow continuous exposures to DC magnetic fields at levels up to 400,000 mG, Children playing near the cable will experience a maximum momentary field strength of less than 1/500 of that amount.

Q: Would it be safe to build a bike path/trail over the cable? People on the trail would be only one meter away from the cable, as opposed to a house that is 8-10 m away.

As stated before, the change to the Earth’s magnetic field is too weak to be a health & safety issue.  Even directly over the cables the MF will be 400-1000 times lower than exposure limits recommended by International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety (ICES).  The cables would not significantly affect the existing magnetic field levels in houses along the proposed route.

HVDC

Q: Why Use HVDC Light®?

HVDC Light® is state-of-the-art power transmission technology that is environmentally friendly, and transmits power using underground and submarine cables.  It is particularly useful in today’s electrical networks where systems need to be flexible, allow for large variations and frequent changes in supply and demand, and meet tougher environmental regulations and community acceptance standards.  HVDC Light® is manufactured by ABB Inc., one of the world’s largest and most successful electrical manufacturing and engineering companies.

Some environmental benefits include:

  • Static magnetic fields are virtually eliminated since HVDC Light® cables are laid in pairs with DC currents in opposite directions.
  • No risk of oil spill.
  • The cable insulation is polyethylene (PE) based and is not dangerous.
  • The cable metals can be reused.

Power transmission via HVDC Light® cables means:

  • No visual impact
  • No ground current
  • No fluctuating electromagnetic fields.
  • Low losses - HVDC cables are generally much more efficient for long distance transmissions than AC cables, particularly for high power.
  • Long lifetime - The inherent lifetime of insulating materials is better for HVDC than for AC.
  • No audible noise, unlike overhead lines

Q: Are there HVDC lines in BC? How about around Canada and the world?

There is an HVDC cable from the Lower Mainland to Vancouver Island.  
There are many HVDC systems throughout the world, many of which pass through residential communities, and at the moment there are three major HVDC lines in Canada:

  • The existing link from Delta to Cowichan on Vancouver Island
  • A 1,500 km long system from northern Quebec near James Bay to Boston.
  • In Manitoba there is a 900 km line from Gillam in the north through Grand Rapids to the suburbs of Winnipeg.

Q: Is there another project with the same Megawatt rating (550 Megawatts), in a similar community? And does data exist that shows that this project is safe in these exact conditions?

There is no such information on an exactly comparable installation. However, it is important to note that there is currently an AC cable that could carry up to 600 MW already installed under Craigflower Road.  The JdF Cable could not carry more than its capacity of 550 MW. 

Also worth noting is that there is an HVDC Light® project in Australia called the Murraylink Cable which is similar and operates safely in a residential environment. The cable route uses existing roads or rights-of way.
In 2002, the Murraylink project won the Case EARTH Award for Environmental Excellence for best practice and innovation in the environmental management of civil construction projects.

Timeline

Q: How long will construction of this Project take?

It is expected that construction will take about 15 months. Construction would occur in stages, with installations under city streets progressing at around 50m per day. Construction of the converter station would take around 7 months.

Permitting

Q: What kind of regulatory process must the Project go through prior to construction?

The Juan de Fuca Cable Project involves:

  • A review (including a public hearing) conducted by the Canadian National Energy Board (NEB) leading to the issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN).  The NEB will be the regulatory agency with final authorization on this project in Canada, and will work with other agencies as part of the approval process.  The NEB will determine whether the project is required based on present and future public need.
  • An environmental assessment consistent with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.
  • A review conducted by the US Department of Energy leading to the issuance of a Presidential Permit, including an Environmental Impact Statement.
  • Permits, authorizations or consultation from a variety of other Canadian and U.S. regulatory agencies

 Q: Why is Sea Breeze proposing to bury the cable under existing streets?

Most streets are designated as utility rights-of-way, and Sea Breeze believes that using areas that are already designated as utility rights-of-way reduces disturbance to the environment. By burying the cable, the result is that there would be no visual impact and continued recreation and transportation usage of the overlying real estate will be unimpeded.

Burial of the cable would be similar to the installation of other utilities, such as a phone cable. Sea Breeze will work with municipalities to ensure areas impacted by construction are restored to the same condition as prior to construction, or are improved upon. Installation of the Cable would be expected to proceed at roughly 50 m/day, and the disturbance at any given residence would likely be only a day or two.

Technical Aspects

Q: How deep would the cables be buried?

The cables will be buried between 1-2m deep, or more if necessary. Specific depths will be established in consultation with municipalities and other utility owners along the route.

Based on discussions with the marine consultants regarding the expected seabed conditions, it is likely that 1m is a reasonable depth of cover along the proposed marine route.

Q: How long is the cable in total? How much of the cable is in the Canadian portion of the route?

The total length is just under 50 km. The length of the Canadian portion is approximately 32 km.

Q: How much of the cable is on land and how much under the sea?

The project involves a buried terrestrial cable installation of approximately 13km in the Victoria area, 34km undersea between Victoria and Port Angeles, and 2km from the landfall site to the converter station. 

Q: What is the life expectancy of the Juan de Fuca Cable?

The expected life of Juan de Fuca cable is about 60 years.

Q: Would there be a lot of noise during construction?

Noise impacts from the cable installation would be temporary, and would be similar to those produced from the installation of other utilities, such as a phone cable. Noise suppressors for some construction equipment have been used in similar projects, with positive results.

Q: Will there be any noise during operation?

No; HVDC cables do not make any noise.

Q  How will traffic be affected during construction?

Measures to reduce the disruption will be established in consultation with municipal staff. Such measures will include a comprehensive traffic management plan (including on-going public notification during construction, and alternative parking for areas where parking may impact businesses).  Sea Breeze will also promptly reconstruct the roads once installation of the cable is finished.  In consultation with municipal staff, one lane of the road will remain open so that traffic can flow around the work site during construction.  On extremely busy streets, Sea Breeze will work with municipal staff to determine the most appropriate schedule for the construction work.

Public Consultation

Q: How has Sea Breeze been consulting with the public?

Sea Breeze recognizes the importance of access to reliable information when it comes to keeping up to date on what’s happening in your community.  Since the beginning of 2005 we have:

  • Identified people with interest in the project and sent information with maps and updates.
  • Held open houses and information sessions to provide an opportunity for interested parties to ask questions and voice their concerns directly to Sea Breeze staff.
  • Provided comment sheets both at open houses and online to gather input and address concerns/questions.
  • Provided contact information and have been available to provide interested parties with the opportunity to contact Sea Breeze staff directly.
  • Sent emails regularly with project updates to a list of identified interested parties.
  • Made presentations to municipal councils about the Project.

Landowners and residents near the proposed cable route were sent information about the Juan de Fuca Project via mail, and were invited to open houses in July, September and October 2005 and January 2006 to learn more about the technology being used and the rationale behind the routing.  A public information session was also held in April 2006 in the town of View Royal on Vancouver Island regarding HVDC Light® technology and Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs). 

Company Background

Q: Who is responsible for this project?

 Sea Breeze Pacific Juan de Fuca Cable LP is a special purpose entity that was formed to develop transmission opportunities in the Pacific Northwest.  It is a partnership between Sea Breeze Power Corp., a Vancouver-based renewable energy developer, Boundless Energy NW, Inc., (''Boundless'') a transmission and utility engineering company based in York Harbor, Maine and a fund of EIF Group; a private equity fund manager. Sea Breeze Pacific Juan de Fuca Cable LP has two subsidiaries to manage the multi-jurisdictional affairs of an international power line: Sea Breeze Victoria Converter Corporation carries out Canadian operations, and Sea Breeze Olympic Converter LP performs US permitting and contracting.   ABB Inc., an international cable design, manufacturing, and installation company, will be engaged to design and build the project using their  HVDC Light® technology.

 

The Sea Breeze team works to help prepare Canada for a future sustained by green energy.

  • Sea Breeze Power Corp. is a Vancouver-based developer of renewable energy projects, with a 450 MW wind farm permitted on Vancouver Island and a 25 MW run-of-river hydro project in the permitting process on the Mainland.
  • Boundless Energy LLC is the founder of the Neptune Project, a transmission project that is similar to the Juan de Fuca Cable Project.  Neptune is a 600 MW, 500 KV, HVDC system connecting the transmission systems of the Long Island Power Authority, servicing Long Island, New York, and First Energy Corp., serving northern coastal New Jersey. The principals of Boundless also have management experience in the construction and operation of the Hydro Quebec Phase 1 and Phase 2 Projects, as well as the Highgate, Vermont Project.
  • ABB Inc. will be responsible for cable design, manufacturing and construction. ABB is a highly experienced electrical manufacturing and engineering company with 50 years of experience with the development and installation of HVDC. ABB’s past projects include:
 
 
 

Sea Breeze Pacific Juan de Fuca Cable, LP | Lobby Mailbox 91 | Suite 1400, 333 Seymour St. | Vancouver, BC V6B 5A6
Phone: (604) 689-2991 | Fax: (604) 689-2990 | Email: info@jdfcable.com