TransAlta hits milestone in its phase out of coal

TransAlta Corp. (TSX: TA) has completed the second of three planned coal-to-gas conversions at its Alberta Thermal power generation facilities near Wabamun, Alta. The company plans to offer 100% clean electricity in Alberta by the end of the year.

TransAlta invested $31.5 million to convert the Keephills 2 plant and another $64.7 million for system upgrades, gas infrastructure and maintenance projects. At its peak, the $96-million project provided nearly 800 additional jobs at the site.

The first conversion project was the Sundance 6 plant in February. Both retain their nameplate generating capacities of 401 MW and 395 MW, respectively. Later this year the conversion of the Keephills 3 facility will be completed.

“Converting to natural gas from coal maintains our current generation capacity and reduces our CO₂ emissions by more than half from approximately 1.04 tonnes CO₂e per MWh to approximately 0.51 tonnes CO₂e per MWh in 2021,” said president and CEO John Kousinioris. “This not only highlights TransAlta's commitment to meet Alberta's need for safe, reliable and low-cost electricity but also our commitment to meet our sustainability goals focused on clean electricity generation."

TransAlta has set a target of reducing greenhouse gases by 60% by 2030 over 2015 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Lear more about the company’s hydro, wind and gas generating facilities at www.TransAlta.com.