The Des Irlandais substation fuses both engineering and heritage.
Hydro-Québec’s new 315-25 kV Des Irlandais substation project is part of a plan to modernize the power transmission network on the Island of Montreal and respond to the city’s significantly growing demand for electricity. EXP’s teams prioritized sustainable infrastructure for Hydro-Québec through multidisciplinary structural, mechanical, electrical and civil engineering design for the new substation.
The design integrates both unique architectural elements and cutting-edge technology. EXP’s engineers collaborated with the architectural team to incorporate elements such as precast concrete panels, curtain walls and architectural lighting to highlight the substation’s building features while meeting technical requirements. Technologies such as IEC 61850 controls address complex energy challenges and optimize the equipment’s communication and control.
Innovative transformation of an existing site
Located on a former landfill, the existing site was transformed through innovative environmental solutions and site strategies. Soils on the site were contaminated with biogas. To achieve a building design requiring only passive management, the design team implemented mitigation measures to capture gases from the surrounding site and prevent them from migrating to the building. This innovative solution preserves both the safety and longevity of the infrastructure.
In addition to meeting Montreal’s expanding energy needs, the Des Irlandais substation project highlights the rich cultural history of Quebec. To commemorate the history of the site, experts at EXP proposed solutions to integrate archaeological remains into the project.
This project is a great example of how history and sustainable development can successfully combine with innovative solutions to create a model for modern infrastructure.
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Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Energy Efficiency, BIM