Delivering Reliable Power: How Fundamental Power Solutions Supplied Custom Load Bank Solutions for the Ridley Island Energy Export Facility (REEF) Project

In today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, the demand for dependable, efficient, and expertly engineered power systems has never been greater. When Fundamental Power Solutions (FPS) was tasked with supplying permanent outdoor load banks for the Ridley Island Energy Export Facility (REEF) near Prince Rupert, British Columbia, the company rose to the challenge — delivering on time, on spec, and in full alignment with demanding environmental and operational conditions.

The REEF project — a bulk liquid petroleum storage and marine export terminal currently under construction in BC — is a joint venture between AltaGas and Vopak. This major energy export facility represents one of the region’s most significant infrastructure developments, and FPS played an essential role in supporting its reliable power operations.

This project showcases FPS’s ability to coordinate across continents, manage complex engineering requirements, and ensure long-term reliability in one of Canada’s harshest coastal regions.

Project Overview: Meeting Critical Power Demands in a Remote Location

The project required FPS to supply two major load bank systems:

• 1,750 kW 600V permanent outdoor auto load bank
• 3.5 MW 4,160V permanent outdoor auto load bank

These load banks were designed to monitor and automatically apply load to four 3.5 MW natural gas generators supplied by Finning. Installed at the REEF project site in a high-seismic, high-corrosion zone, these systems had to be built to withstand constant exposure to ocean air and demanding environmental stressors.

FPS’s role extended far beyond simple equipment delivery. The company provided end-to-end project management, from technical design and manufacturing coordination to testing, delivery, and startup support.

FPS’s Leadership and Coordination Across Global Partners

Executing a project of this scale required collaboration across multiple countries and stakeholders — but FPS led every stage with precision.

Key project partners included:

• Avtron – Load bank manufacturer
• Enerflex – Procurement and engineering team
• AltaGas and Vopak – Joint venture partners and end users of the REEF project

Fundamental Power Solutions served as the central coordinator, ensuring all technical, logistical, and operational requirements were aligned between these parties. The company’s proactive communication and detailed oversight helped maintain seamless progress from design approval through final delivery.

Coordinating the 600V System from Cleveland, Ohio

The 1,750 kW 600V auto load bank was designed and manufactured at Avtron’s Cleveland, OH facility. FPS managed:

• Full design review and approval process
• Tender documentation and compliance
• Quality assurance and delivery scheduling

By maintaining close coordination with Avtron’s engineering team, FPS ensured the equipment met all electrical and mechanical specifications — and was optimized for permanent outdoor use in a marine environment.

Managing the 4,160V Containerized System from Stratford, UK

Simultaneously, FPS oversaw the design, tender, and delivery of the larger 3.5 MW 4,160V containerized load bank built in Stratford, UK. This unit required additional structural and environmental considerations due to voltage, scale, and site-specific conditions.

FPS’s detailed oversight ensured:

• Full compliance with Canadian and international standards
• Robust corrosion-resistant materials and coatings
• Seismic-rated design suitable for conditions at the REEF project site

The result was a custom-engineered load bank solution ready to perform reliably in one of the toughest environments imaginable.

Overcoming Challenges: Corrosion, Seismic Risk, and Remote Access

The REEF project near Prince Rupert presented unique engineering and logistical challenges. Located on a remote coastal island, the project demanded equipment that could operate autonomously and dependably, despite the absence of immediate service access.

FPS addressed these challenges by focusing on:

• Corrosion protection: Systems were engineered using marine-grade materials and finishes to ensure long-term resistance to salt-laden air.
• Seismic compliance: FPS ensured all designs met or exceeded the seismic standards for high-risk zones in coastal British Columbia.
• Operational autonomy: Auto-load functionality allows the system to self-regulate generator loading, minimizing required intervention.

This attention to environmental and operational detail reflects FPS’s deep understanding of industrial power systems — and their ability to anticipate and mitigate real-world risks.

Beyond Delivery: Startup and Long-Term Support

FPS’s commitment didn’t end at installation. The company also coordinated:

• Full system startup and commissioning
• Two-year maintenance and spare parts supply program, which is currently being finalized

By providing ongoing technical support and spare parts readiness, FPS will ensure the REEF facility will continue to operate smoothly well beyond initial commissioning.

This proactive approach highlights FPS’s dedication to building lasting partnerships, not just fulfilling contracts.

Results: On-Time Delivery and Exceptional Reliability

Despite complex logistics and cross-continental coordination, FPS delivered both load bank systems on time and to full specification. The project’s success is a testament to FPS’s ability to manage high-stakes industrial power solutions from concept to completion — all while maintaining exceptional quality, communication, and client satisfaction.

Key outcomes include:

• On-time delivery despite international manufacturing coordination
• High reliability in seismic and corrosive environments
• Full compliance with technical and environmental standards
• Long-term operational support ensuring continued uptime

Why Choose FPS for Industrial Power Projects

From energy export facilities to mining operations and utility infrastructure, FPS has proven expertise in delivering custom load bank and power testing solutions that perform under pressure. Their strengths include:

• Technical excellence in power system design and commissioning
• Global coordination across suppliers, manufacturers, and engineering teams
• Commitment to reliability in demanding environments
• Comprehensive project management from tender to long-term support

When performance, precision, and dependability matter most, FPS delivers.

Partner with FPS on Your Next Power Project

Fundamental Power Solutions continues to set the standard for industrial load bank systems and power reliability solutions across North America. Whether your project involves remote installations, complex engineering conditions, or large-scale generator testing, FPS has the expertise to bring it to life — safely, efficiently, and on time.

Contact FPS today to learn how our team can help design and deliver the right power solution for your operation.