NTPC's Snare Falls hydro unit back online after oil sheen spotted in water for 2nd time this year
NTPC says about 408 litres of oil has gradually leaked from the unit since June 1
The unit is part of four generating facilities that make up the Snare River hydroelectric system which powers Yellowknife, Dettah and Behchokǫ̀. The aging system has been plagued by costly mechanical issues, curbing its ability to operate at full capacity — and the problems keep mounting.
that approximately 408 litres of oil has gradually leaked from the Snare Falls unit since June 1.
NTPC says oil in the unit has been replaced with a higher viscosity lubricant as an interim measure to prevent future leaking.
A detailed inspection and any repair work will be completed next year during a period of warmer weather and lower electricity demand, it said.
The unit went offline on Dec. 10. According to NTPC, diesel replacement costs during the shutdown totalled approximately $260,000, though it said the total cost of the shutdown is unknown at this time.
"Trouble-shooting at a hydro unit is a complex process but our employees and contractors were able to identify and implement a solution fairly quickly," said NTPC president Noel Voykin in a statement.
He said that will help to minimize the cost of the shutdown and avoid the greenhouse gas emissions created by diesel generation during a period of peak demand in the region.