TransAlta Corporation Achieves Full Phase-Out of Coal in Canada
December 29, 2021 at 07:00 am EST
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TransAlta Corporation announced that it has completed the last of three planned coal-to-gas conversions ("CTG") at its Alberta Thermal power generation facilities near Wabamun, Alberta. The $29 million investment in the KH3 conversion plus another $48 million for gas infrastructure and maintenance projects brought a significant boost to the local economy, and at its peak provided nearly 600 construction jobs. Since 2019, TransAlta has invested $295 million in its CTG program that also included conversion of Sundance Unit 6 (Q1-2021), conversion of Keephills Unit 2 (Q3-2021), conversion of Sheerness Units 1 and 2, plus construction of new high-volume gas delivery infrastructure. Overall, the converted units generate nearly 50% fewer CO2 emissions fueled by natural gas compared to coal. This project is a significant achievement for TransAlta towards its target to reduce 60%, or 19.7 million tonnes, of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 over 2015 levels and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. By meeting its 2030 target, TransAlta's performance will exceed Canada's national Paris Agreement target of 40-45% reduction by 2030. The completed conversions will also contribute to the goals of the Powering Past Coal Alliance, which TransAlta joined at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26). With successful completion of the KH3 conversion and the planned closure of the Highvale coal mine effective December 31, 2021, TransAlta's thermal facilities in Alberta will have been fully transitioned to 100% natural gas operation. In aggregate, TransAlta has retired 3,794 MW of coal-fired generation capacity since 2018 while converting 1,659 MW to cleaner burning natural gas. This achievement, coupled with TransAlta's growing and diversified generating portfolio, including hydro, wind, solar and battery assets, helps position TransAlta to be a highly competitive provider of reliable, low and zero-emitting electricity for customers in Canada, the United States, and Australia.
TransAlta Corporation owns, operates, and develops a diverse fleet of electrical power generation assets, utilizing a range of input resources that includes water, wind, solar, natural gas and thermal coal in Canada, the United States and Australia. The Company provides clean power for municipalities, medium and large industries, and utility customers. Its segments include Hydro, Wind & Solar, Gas, Energy Transition, Energy Marketing, and Corporate. The Company has a diversified portfolio of energy assets and its diverse fleet of hydro, wind, solar, natural gas and cogeneration generate about 6.7 gigawatts (GW) of electricity. It delivers renewable energy solutions for large scale commercial partners, including tech companies. It operates a fleet of electrical power generation assets, including Antrim Wind Project, Ardenville Wind Facility, Old Town Wind Project, Pinnacle Project, SunHills Solar Project, Cascade hydro power plant, and Fortescue River Gas Pipeline, among others.