The contract was awarded to REEL COH, a Quebec-based company, and is set to span six years. The project will replace the plant’s original gantry cranes, which have been in service for over 65 years, since the facility first began operations.
The decision to replace the aging cranes is part of NYPA’s ongoing efforts to enhance the operational efficiency and safety of the hydroelectric plant, which is a key source of clean energy for New York State. Judge Cecily Morris, a NYPA Trustee and North Country resident, highlighted the importance of the project, noting that the upgrades are vital for the long-term operational safety of the plant, as well as for the workforce at the facility.
“This investment in modernizing our equipment demonstrates the Power Authority’s commitment to best-in-class upgrades to this essential North Country power generation asset,” she said.
NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll also underscored the significance of the crane replacements, emphasizing their role in ensuring the plant’s continued ability to provide up to 1 gigawatt of reliable, clean energy to New Yorkers.
“The current cranes have served the plant well since it began operation more than 65 years ago, but they have reached the end of their operating lives. These new cranes will allow the plant to operate safely and efficiently for many years to come,” Driscoll said. He also praised the selection of REEL COH, a nearby vendor, noting the company’s capacity to manufacture the cranes using American steel.
The new cranes will include several key upgrades. The 90-ton crane will be replaced with a 100-ton model to provide additional reserve capacity and accommodate the dynamic forces involved in lifting intake gates. The 300-ton crane will be upgraded to a 350-ton model, allowing it to handle greater dynamic forces and future potential upgrades to the generating units. Additional improvements will include rail replacement, conductor bus bar system upgrades, and power feeder replacements.
Design and engineering work is set to begin in January 2025, with the new 100-ton crane expected to be completed by mid-2028 and the 350-ton crane slated for completion by 2030. These upgrades are expected to improve the long-term reliability and safety of the St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project, ensuring that it continues to serve as a vital source of clean energy for the region.
