Genesee 3 (G3) sets new standards for Canadian power production. Built and operated by Capital Power, and owned jointly with TransAlta Corporation, the 495 MW unit is Canada's first generation facility to use supercritical combustion technology for greater fuel efficiency and significantly lower emissions.
G3 went into commercial operation on March 1, 2005, on time, on budget and with one of the best safety records for construction in the industry. It is the most advanced coal-fired plant ever built in Canada.
Genesee 3 is located adjacent to Genesee 1 and 2 on the Genesee plant site west of Edmonton near Warburg, Alberta. It is 50% owned by Capital Power and 50% owned by TransAlta and has a gross generation capacity of 495 MW.
A New Environmental Standard
Genesee 3 is one of the largest capacity and most fuel-efficient coal-fired generating units in Canada. Its supercritical pressure technology is one of the best commercially viable technologies available for use with Alberta’s sub-bituminous coal.
G3's environmental performance is enhanced by the use of supercritical combustion and clean air technologies. In a supercritical boiler, higher temperatures and steam pressures, together with a high-efficiency steam turbine, create a more efficient process for converting thermal energy into electricity. The process achieves greater efficiency and lower CO2, NOx and SO2 emissions per MW compared to conventional subcritical pulverized coal technologies.
G3's clean air technology goes beyond current provincial and national environmental standards. These improvements include:
- Fabric filters that stop 99.8% of particulate matter from reaching the atmosphere.
- A flue gas desulphurization unit that brings sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions well below the provincial emission standard, and less than half the emissions produced by vintage plants.
- Low nitrous oxide (NOx) burners that reduce NOx emissions by 70%, meeting new Alberta standards.
- Approximately 10% more fuel efficient than the older Genesee units.
- Produces CO2 emissions that are approximately 18% lower than the average conventional Alberta coal generation unit on a per MW basis.
Working Together for Safety
The G3 construction site was one of the largest, busiest and safest in Alberta. At peak construction, 2,100 men and women worked on the project. Over the 36-month construction period, 42 different contractors and 16 unions worked together and achieved an outstanding safety record.
Responsibility to the Community
Consulting and engaging the local community and stakeholders is a long-standing commitment at Genesee. Capital Power continues to work with the area residents and stakeholders. Capital Power also provides regular updates to our neighbours about our operations through the Genesee Connection newsletter. To learn more about community relations and consultation near Genesee, visit the consultation section.
A Stable, Reliable Source of Power
At 495 MW, G3 is the largest generation unit ever added to Alberta's power grid, further ensuring an adequate supply of reliable base load power. Capital Power operates G3. The unit dispatches a minimum net 176 MW of power to the grid. Above that minimum, Capital Power and TransAlta each independently dispatch their 50% share of power.
Genesee 3 is also one of the lowest variable-cost, baseload generators in Alberta. It enjoys a competitive position in a market with shrinking reserve margins and planned coal unit retirements. Genesee 3 provides the company with the ability to participate prudently in the upside potential of Alberta’s wholesale power market. Capital Power’s share of Genesee 3’s generation contributes to Capital Power’s internal pool of electricity available to sell through the wholesale market.
Peregine Falcons at Genesee
Peregrine falcons have made a resurgence throughout North America, and can often be found nesting in urban and industrialized areas on tall, human-built structures. The Genesee facility has hosted nesting falcons since the early 1990's. Learn more about the Peregrine falcons nesting at Genesee 3.