Increasing efficiency

We are constantly evaluating opportunities to improve the efficiency, or heat rate, of our operations – that is, using less fuel to produce more electricity. Higher efficiencies also result in cost savings and lower emissions.

Uprate

A 53 megawatt (MW) uprate to Sundance 5 was completed in 2009. Uprates address the issues of aging thermal power plants. Plants are designed for optimal efficiency. As they age we can attempt to increase production efficiency by implementing updated technology and replacing older components such as steam turbines. The improved energy conversion that results from an uprate typically results in lower emissions per megawatt hour, but higher production.

Ontario turbines enhanced

Four turbines were replaced at Ontario facilities in 2009, one at Ottawa and Windsor and two at Mississauga. The new technology lowers natural gas consumption for the same output, resulting in more efficient use of fuel and decreased emission intensity.

New fuel at Centralia

Equipment upgrades at Centralia undertaken over the past two years are complete, allowing the safe and efficient use of coal from the Powder River Basin. The Powder River coal has lower sulfur and nitrogen content than the coal at the Centralia Mine.

Control systems

Four of TransAlta’s six Sundance units and two of the Keephills units had state-of-the-art control systems installed in 2009. The new system allows for future enhancements such as emissions intensity improvements and heat rate optimization.