Genesee Station Overview
Located west of Edmonton near Warburg, AB, the Genesee Generating Station consists of Units 1, 2 and 3 which provide over 1,300 MW of baseload generation. Genesee Units 1 & 2 and Genesee Unit 3 are undergoing repowering and coal-to-gas transformations respectively to move off-coal in 2023 and provide Responsible Energy for Tomorrow.
Genesee 1 & 2 is subject to a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Alberta Balancing Pool, which is in effect until December 31, 2020. Under these terms, the Balancing Pool is entitled to the power produced by G1 and G2, up to their committed capacity. Costs associated with compliance with changes in environmental regulation are passed through to the PPA holder under a change of law provision. Generation in excess of committed capacity is managed as part of Capital Power’s Alberta electricity portfolio optimization activities. Long-term, contracted cash flows from this project, together with low fuel-supply risks, contribute to the overall financial stability of Capital Power’s portfolio of assets. At the facility, Unit 2 was commissioned in 1989 and Unit 1 in 1994.
Quick Facts
- Excellent operating history and high availability
- Units regularly run at or near full production capacity
Repowering of Genesee Units 1 & 2
We’re repowering Genesee Units 1 & 2 to natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) generation units, subject to regulatory approval. Located entirely within the footprint of the existing Genesee Generating Station, the repowering project involves installing new gas-fired combustion turbines and heat recovery steam generators, while utilizing the existing steam turbine generators. The two repowered units provide an additional 560 megawatts of net capacity totalling 1,360 MW. The repowered assets will utilize best in class, hydrogen-ready NGCC technology and are expected to set a new standard for gas generation efficiency in Canada.
There are significant environmental benefits expected from the project, including reduction in emissions associated with coal-fired power generation such as carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), particulate and mercury emissions. For example, the carbon emissions intensity of using natural gas as a fuel source will decrease CO2 by approximately 60% when compared to emissions when the units are running on coal. In addition, overall water usage for the repowered units will be reduced with the new technology by at least half.
Approval for the project is required from Alberta Parks and Environment (AEP) and the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). Capital Power submitted its regulatory applications in late 2020. Based on a successful outcome of the regulatory process for the NGCC repowering project, Genesee 1 would become a dedicated NGCC unit in 2023; Genesee Unit 2 would become a dedicated NGCC unit by 2024. Units will be converted to run in simple cycle mode before the expected completion of the repowering of each unit.
For more information, read our project information package below.
Stakeholder Engagement
Join us virtually. Capital Power is committed to sharing information with and hearing from stakeholders about this project.
Due to limits on public gatherings associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and Capital Power’s commitment to protect stakeholders and employees, Capital Power is not holding in-person public open houses at this time. Instead Capital Power is hosting a virtual question and answer session for stakeholders to provide feedback, ask questions and receive answers from the project team.
When: Tuesday, September 22 / 3:30 to 6:30pm MDT
How: By Phone: Canada/USA toll-free 1-800-319-4610
If you are unable to participate in the question and answer sessions, stakeholders are encouraged to contact us anytime with their questions or comments about the project by:
Telephone: 1-855-703-5005
Email: [email protected]
Mail: Genesee Repowering Project C/O Stakeholder Engagement
C/O Stakeholder Engagement
Capital Power
10th Floor EPCOR Tower
10423 101 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T5H 0E9
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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, Solid Fuels
Site Contact
Phone: 1-780-848-8300
Email: [email protected]