Genesee Repowering Project : Capital Power completes Canada’s most efficient natural gas facility

Capital Power Corporation has officially brought its Genesee Repowering Project to completion, transforming Genesee Units 1 and 2 into Canada’s most efficient natural gas combined cycle facility. The announcement, made on December 13, 2024, signifies a landmark achievement in transitioning legacy coal plants to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

With a capacity increase of 512 megawatts (MW) and a 40% reduction in carbon emissions—amounting to 3.4 million tonnes annually—the project establishes itself as a leader in the clean energy transition. Capital Power President and CEO Avik Dey underscored the importance of the Genesee Repowering Project, highlighting its ability to address Alberta’s growing energy demands while aligning with global sustainability goals.

Advancing Efficiency and Reliability

The $1.6 billion Genesee Repowering Project enhances the overall capacity of the Genesee Generating Station to 1,857 MW. Located in Alberta, the facility now stands as a cornerstone of Alberta energy reliability, delivering affordable electricity while meeting provincial and national emissions reduction targets. Alberta’s Minister of Affordability and Utilities, Nathan Neudorf, praised Capital Power’s efforts to ensure Alberta’s energy system remains secure, clean, and dependable.

Key technological upgrades include two Mitsubishi M501JAC gas turbines and Vogt triple-pressure heat recovery steam generators. These innovations make the Genesee site an exemplary natural gas facility by utilizing existing infrastructure for enhanced operational efficiency. Capital Power’s early transition to 100% natural gas, five years ahead of government mandates, further solidifies the facility’s contribution to the clean energy transition.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The Genesee Repowering Project exemplifies the integration of economic growth and environmental responsibility. Construction, which began in 2021, required over 5.8 million hours of labour and provided up to 1,250 jobs at its peak. The transition to a state-of-the-art natural gas facility ensures continued economic contribution while reducing Alberta’s reliance on coal-based energy sources.

With 1,857 MW of baseload generation capacity, the facility strengthens Alberta energy reliability by supporting the grid and accommodating future industrial and technological expansion. The project also underscores the scalability of repurposed infrastructure in meeting Canada’s emissions reduction commitments. By consolidating operations at the site, Capital Power will now consider the Genesee Generating Station a single facility, streamlining its portfolio management.

Unlocking Future Opportunities

The Genesee Repowering Project demonstrates how legacy assets can be redefined to support a clean energy transition. By enabling Alberta to lead in deploying efficient natural gas facilities, Capital Power positions the province for a competitive advantage in global energy markets.

The company envisions the facility as a critical driver for Alberta’s economic growth, bolstered by affordable energy and innovations that align with modern industrial demands. With its focus on efficiency, sustainability, and reliability, the Genesee site offers a roadmap for how Canada can balance energy affordability with environmental goals.

As Alberta continues to embrace the clean energy transition, the Genesee Repowering Project stands as a testament to the power of innovation in achieving ambitious climate and energy targets. Capital Power’s success highlights the potential of leveraging Canada’s most efficient energy solutions to fuel future growth and resilience in a rapidly evolving sector.