Hydro-Québec enters commercialization agreement for its WireScan technology with ASI

ASI Services Techniques Inc. (ASI), a division of ASI Group Ltd., a globally recognized company in underwater inspection, maintenance, and repair, and Hydro-Québec (HQ), the leading electricity provider in Canada and one of the largest hydropower producers in the world, have signed an agreement for the commercialization of WireScan. This unique and patented technology, developed by the Hydro-Québec research and development team, is a laser scanning tool that can precisely measure hydro facility components, such as stop logs and gate slots, above and below the waterline.

WireScan produces engineering-level, three-dimensional scans, providing dam owners with detailed data that are critical for condition assessment and asset management. WireScan enables dam owners to identify anomalies and plan repairs, thereby optimizing refurbishment strategies while reducing the risk of consequential gate failure. This technology also significantly reduces risks for workers by minimizing traditional manned inspections.

With a vast hydropower generating fleet comprising 688 dams, 62 generating stations and 99 spillways, Hydro-Québec has extensive experience in hydroelectric facility maintenance and operations.

“ASI is committed to being a world leader in underwater technologies, and we are excited to offer our clients this new technology. WireScan will enable us to provide our clients with invaluable data,” said Martin Beaudry, President of ASI Services Techniques. “This contract will allow ASI to market this technology and related services worldwide.”

“ASI is a company with global reach and significant expertise in the remote inspection of underwater infrastructure. That experience will allow other utilities to benefit from our WireScan technology,” said Patrick Judge, Manager – Business Development – Innovative Solutions at Hydro-Québec.

ASI and Hydro-Québec worked hand in hand to specify the details for the production and commercialization of the WireScan technology in a joint agreement.

About ASI

ASI Group Ltd. (ASI) has been an industry leader in underwater inspection, maintenance and repair, and biofouling (mussel) monitoring and control services since 1987. Originally founded as Aquatic Sciences Inc. by a team of technical professionals, ASI’s scope and depth of work have continuously expanded over the years, though the core business of marine inspections and mussel management services remains consistent.

ASI services are provided worldwide from offices located in Québec, Ontario, and British Columbia, Canada; in New York, United States; and in Chile.

About Hydro-Québec

Hydro-Québec generates, transmits and distributes electricity. It is Canada’s largest electricity producer and ranks among the world’s largest hydropower producers. Its sole shareholder is the Québec government. The company uses mainly renewable generating options, in particular large hydro. Its research facilities, collectively called Institut de recherche d’Hydro-Québec (IREQ), conduct R&D in energy-related fields, including energy efficiency and storage.

Learn more: http://www.hydroquebec.com