Ep 3. Gargantuan off the Grid

In the third episode of Season 1 of Alaska Mega Machines, titled Gargantuan off the Grid, viewers are taken on an adrenaline-fueled ride as they witness the challenges of building a hydropower plant deep in the Alaskan wilderness.

The episode begins with an exploration of the sheer enormity of the task at hand. The project requires building a 240-foot dam on a remote river, which connects to a massive tunnel system, leading to a giant pressure pipe, and ultimately culminating in the hydropower plant. Such an undertaking in such a rugged and remote location requires immense skill, expertise and, most importantly, a large number of massive machines.

We are introduced to the project's leader, Gordy Kito, and his team of highly skilled workers. We see how they have to coordinate not only their machinery but their schedules to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Any mistake can result in a delay that could cost the project precious time and money.

The team starts the construction of the dam, one of the most challenging parts of the project, given the incredibly tough terrain, which is covered in snow and ice for much of the year. This makes it a struggle for the team and the machines to establish a stable foundation upon which to build the dam. Also, the risk of avalanche is a constant danger to both the team and the machines.

The Alaska Mega Machines of the episode are then introduced. Viewers get to see first-hand the raw power of a modern-day excavator as it tears through rock and soil to create the foundation of the dam. We also witness the sheer size of an enormous tunnel boring machine (TBM) and how it bores through the rocks to create the tunnel system that connects to the dam. Additionally, viewers see the incredible skill of a helicopter pilot, as he lands on a small platform on the side of a mountain to deliver equipment, material, and workers to the site.

As the construction of the dam progresses, the team encounters other challenges. They have to adapt to the ever-changing seismic vibrations that occur in the area, which can cause ground movement that can threaten the stability of the dam. Additionally, they have to navigate the constantly changing weather, which can go from sunny skies to a raging storm in a matter of minutes.

The leading Alaska Mega Machine featured in the episode is the gigantic hydroelectric turbine, which is custom-built for this project. This behemoth needed to be transported from the machine builder's production site to the project location, which involved moving it over 60 miles from the nearest town. Incredibly, a transport vehicle weighing over 100 tons was enlisted to complete the journey. The transport vehicle had to navigate treacherous terrain and narrow paths, passing through tiny Alaskan towns en route. It is a stunning example of the logistical challenges that were faced throughout the project.

The episode ends with the installation of the hydroelectric turbine at the power plant. Viewers get a glimpse of how the giant turbine will transform the natural energy generated by the nearby river into the electricity that will power the surrounding areas. This highlights the importance of such environmentally friendly projects in areas that can generate a large amount of renewable energy.

Overall, Gargantuan off the Grid showcases an impressive collection of Alaska Mega Machines that are used to harness the power of nature to produce renewable energy. The episode is a testament to the ability of human ingenuity and technology to tackle the most challenging tasks in even the harshest of environments. It provides a glimpse into the daily work required to construct a hydroelectric plant and the skills and expertise of the workers and machines that make it possible.