Genesee Generating Station
We are leading the way toward a low-carbon future by investing in world-leading efficiency and decarbonization technologies at our Genesee Generating Station to provide reliable, affordable, and clean baseload generation to the grid. Located west of Edmonton near Warburg, AB, the Genesee facility consists of three generating units which provide over 1,300 MW of baseload generation to Albertans. The transformation of all three Genesee units is integral to our transition to net zero.
Genesee Generating Station
1 & 2
Operational
Fuel Source:
Natural Gas
Year Commissioned:
Unit 1 – 1994
Unit 2 – 1989
Owned Capacity:
880 MW (combined)
Owned/Operated:
100/100
Genesee Generating Station 3
Operational
Fuel Source:
Natural Gas
Year Commissioned:
2005
Owned Capacity:
516 MW
Owned/Operated:
100/100
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Genesee Generating Station consists of some of Alberta’s youngest and most efficient thermal generation units. This reliable facility supports the Alberta energy market with baseload power supply and contributes to the economic well-being of the community it operates in. Repowering to best-in-class natural gas units will reduce emissions by 3.4 million tonnes per year and continue to deliver responsible energy for our future.
Sean Furey
VP, Thermal Operations West
Repowering
We’re repowering Genesee 1 & 2 to utilize best-in-class natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) technology, positioning them to be the most efficient NGCC units in Canada when completed. The repowered units will have improved emission intensity, performance, and competitiveness and when complete, will immediately reduce our emissions at Genesee by 3.4 million tonnes annually.
Genesee 3
Our Genesee 3 facility completed upgrades in 2023, enabling it to burn 100% natural gas as its primary fuel source – an essential step in moving the entire Genesee Generating Station off coal.
Environmental Initiatives
Land Reclamation:
The Genesee Mine license includes a comprehensive land reclamation plan, including the re-establishment of wetlands and natural creek bodies, and the development of wildlife corridors. The plan also includes topics such as soil recovery and management of noise, dust, surface water and groundwater. Current reclamation activities include:
- Planting spruce, aspen and willow seedlings to create a more diverse landscape that can sustain multiple land uses
- Renting reclaimed land to local farmers to use for crops such as canola, barley, wheat, and alfalfa, or to use as pastureland for cattle
- Bluebird nesting box project to increase Mountain Bluebird populations and encourage nesting of other valuable species
- Supporting research in live root transfer, aspen seedling selection and the establishment of hybrid poplar plantations as ways to create forested areas as part of the reclaimed mine lands
- Wetlands management
- Re-establishment of creeks and drainage channels
- Incorporation of wildlife corridors
- Planting trees along shelter belts
- Establishment of dugouts
Peregrines at Genesee:
Peregrine falcons have made a resurgence throughout North America and can often be found nesting in urban and industrialized areas on tall, human-built structures. The Genesee facility has hosted nesting falcons since the early 1990s. Learn More
Community Investment and Involvement
At Capital Power, we contribute to the communities in which we operate with the aim of building a sustainable future for all. We engage our neighbours, consider their interests and build real relationships. We aim to source supplies and services locally for our operations, as well as hire from the community. At the Genesee Generating Station:
- We employ more than 200 permanent employees.
- We recognize that transitioning Genesee to natural gas will result in a reduction of staff at the facility, and we’re committed to helping transition staff to new careers or supporting their path to retirement.
- We pay approximately $5,986,000 in property and linear tax each year, contributing annually to community tax bases, supporting the improvement of infrastructure, roadways, and community services.
We give back where we live and work by supporting local organizations and our employees’ community participation through our corporate giving programs.
Recent community giving:
- Boreal Avian Research & Conservation Association
- Pioneer Agricultural Society Heritage Day
- Community Easter Egg Hunt
- Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) – Volunteer appreciation; Seniors Week; Summer Programs
- Light Up Warburg
- Thorsby Jr / Sr High School Rodeo
- Leduc County’s Genesee Park
- Warburg School
- Warburg Family Halloween Dance
- Thorsby & District Malanka Festival
- Warburg Community BBQ and Chili Cook Off
Connecting with our Neighbours
Capital Power’s relationship with our neighbours is an important focus of our Genesee operations. We have a number of ways for community members to connect with us:
- Speak or meet with our Genesee Land Manager
- Read information in the Genesee Connection newsletter
- Attend project-specific open houses
- Attend a mine, reclamation, crop, plant or station tour
- In-person at Good Neighbour breakfast meetings with Leduc County and Village of Warburg Council members and staff 2-3 times annually
Hunting on Genesee Land
The hunting program allows access to portions of Capital Power land to hunt big game and waterfowl under specific conditions:
- High powered rifles are not permitted.
- Bow hunting, Black powder rifles and Shotguns with slugs are allowed.
- The Provincial Hunting regulations shall apply in all situations.
- Access is granted and managed through Hunting for Tomorrow (AHEIA)
To register, please contact Chuck Strong at 780-466-6682 or [email protected].
The pheasant hunting program is managed in partnership with the Alberta Conservation Association (ACA). A permit is required to hunt on the pheasant release site. Information can be found on the website: cphuntingregistration.com
Site Contact
Phone: 1-780-848-8300
Email: [email protected]