Project Overview
Capital Power and its partner Manulife are proposing equipment upgrades at the York Energy Centre (YEC). The upgrades will provide operational flexibility and approximately 38 MW of additional generation capacity depending on ambient temperature. The project was submitted to Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) through the Same Technology Upgrades Solicitation.
Background
The IESO has identified a significant need for new power supply in the province. At the system level, the IESO is projecting a generation capacity deficit starting in 2025. The project is part of an overall effort to help meet increasing local and provincial electricity demands by providing critical generation support, better enabling both a reliable supply of electricity and flexibility in support of intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar energy.
In June 2023, York Energy Centre Upgrade project (38 MW contracted capacity) was selected by the IESO to negotiate a power purchase agreement. Learn more.
Project details
The upgrades will be limited to the replacement of a variety of gas turbine parts with more advanced technology, upgradable materials, and/or higher performance levels. Upgrades include power augmentation systems in the form of inlet air cooling. To accommodate these modifications, gas turbine controls will be updated accordingly. The upgrades would be completed during a regularly scheduled maintenance outage in 2025.
All system component upgrades will be completed within the existing facility footprint. Project construction work is related only to equipment upgrades within the YEC. No physical earthworks are required.
Regulatory process
According to Ontario Regulation 116/01 (the Electricity Projects Regulation), modifications to a natural gas-fired generating facility that increase the facility’s capacity by 5 MW or more are subject to review under the Environmental Screening Process (ESP).
The ESP has two tiers of assessment: Screening Stage and Environmental Review Stage. Capital Power intends to voluntarily complete an Environmental Review.
The Environmental Review will assess potential environmental impacts of the equipment upgrades, which are expected to be limited to air emissions that will continue to meet provincial emission requirements.
The results of the assessment will be documented in an Environmental Review Report that will be made available for public review. The Environmental Review will assess any potential effects of the equipment upgrades but will not re-evaluate the previously approved, operating YEC facility.
Consultation and engagement
We value and consider local community interests and priorities. We engage government, employees, local communities, investors, shareholders, and Indigenous communities. Please contact us if you have any questions or comments or want to be added to the project mailing list.
Project Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-855-703-5005