(AlbertaIndex, March 11, Tuesday) --- EPCOR Utilities Inc said it has started up a new 43.4-megawatt (MW) natural gas-fired turbine at its Clover Bar Energy Centre to help to meet Alberta’s growing demand for electricity.

The General Electric LM 6000 unit now in operation is the first of three new turbines being installed at Clover Bar. The net capacity upon completion will be 243.4 MW. The installation of two 100 MW General Electric LMS 100 units is planned for completion in 2010.

 

Last January, the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) reported that provincial demand for electricity had reached an all time high. Alberta’s electricity consumption has grown by 29% since 2000 with an average load growth of 3.2% each year for the last five years.

EPCOR said the new unit can power up from standstill to full load in 10 minutes, enabling the company to quickly respond to sudden changes in supply and demand, including demand peaks that occur during hot and cold weather.

Jim Oosterbaan, EPCOR Alberta’s senior vice-president, said: “The new high-efficiency units use 85% less water per megawatt hour (MWh) than the four turbines in the old Clover Bar plant.

“Combined, the new turbines will also produce about 70% less nitrogen oxides per MWh of electricity generated at full capacity, compared to the old plant.”

The company will decommission the former Clover Bar Generating Station that was installed in the 1960s and 1970s.

Edmonton-headquartered EPCOR Utilities Inc builds, owns and operates power plants, electrical transmission and distribution networks, water and wastewater treatment facilities and infrastructure in Canada and the US.

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