Whitecourt
Whitecourt is a wood waste fired electricity generation facility located northwest of Edmonton, Alberta, with a five-year average availability of 91.6%
Asset Overview
The Whitecourt facility, which is made up of one steam turbine and one generator, uses wood waste to generate electricity. Fluidized bubbling bed boiler combustion is the principal technology for the conversion of biomass for electricity production. The combustion process generates hot gases that in turn produce steam, which is then used to generate electricity in the turbine/ generator. The electricity generated by the Whitecourt facility is sold under a long-term power purchase agreement and is delivered to Alberta's power grid.
Whitecourt was the first power generating facility in Canada to be certified under the federal government's EcoLogo™ program, which recognizes products and services that adhere to stringent environmental standards and practices.
Quick Facts
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Whitecourt, Alberta |
| Start of Operations | 1994 |
| Ownership Interest | 100% |
| Net Capacity | 25 MW |
| Availability1 | 82.0% |
| Power Purchase Agreement Expiry | 2014 |
| Customer | TransAlta Utilities Corp. |
| Other Contracts | Fuel supply agreement with Millar-Western Pulp Ltd. until 2016 |
- In the year ended December 31, 2009
Key Performance Drivers
- Contracted long-term electricity rate provides stable revenue
- Fuel supply provided under long-term contracts with substantial forest products companies
- Provides predictable production levels with little or no variations due to seasonality