Expansion and capital projects

TransAlta continues to invest in its existing facilities to improve performance. Through 2009, these investments included the following projects.

Highvale expansion

Mining operations at Pit 8, an expansion of TransAlta’s Highvale Mine, began in the third quarter of 2009. The project increases the number of actively licenced and mined pits at Highvale to six, ensuring a continuous supply of coal for Sundance, Keephills and Keephills 3. The project was on schedule, and achieved costs savings.

Keephills 3

Construction on Keephills 3, a new coal-fuelled power generation plant using leading edge technology to reduce emissions, progressed through 2009. The unit’s generator has been installed, and its water treatment plant commissioned. The plant will be operational in 2011. TransAlta and Capital Power will be equal partners in the ownership of Keephills 3, with Capital Power responsible for construction and TransAlta responsible for operations. Keephills 3 will result in 30 new full-time positions.

Wind expansion

TransAlta began construction on Summerview 2 wind farm in 2009, completed construction of Blue Trail wind farm and have announced or begun construction on another two wind farms.