Facilities – Gas
In this decision, the AUC approved the application by Capital Power Generation Services Inc. to alter units 1 and 2 of the Genesee Generating Station (the “Station”)
Application
Capital Power Generation Services Inc. filed an application with the AUC to alter units 1 and 2 of the Station by converting them from dual-fuel to natural gas combined cycle and to increase the total generation capability of the units from 430 megawatts to 732 megawatts. Pursuant to Approval 15623-D02-2020, Capital Power GP Holdings Inc. is the owner, and Capital Power Generation Services Inc. is the operator (collectively “Capital Power”).
Capital Power stated that it would use the existing steam turbine generators and install new gas-fired combustion turbines and heat recovery steam generators and that the alteration would be done in stages to minimize downtime. During the alterations, units 1 and 2 would operate in simple-cycle. The in-service date for unit 1 is expected to be September 2023 for the simple-cycle and December 31, 2023, for the combined cycle, and the in-service date for unit 2 is expected to be December 2023 for the simple-cycle and March 31, 2024, for the combined cycle. Construction activities are planned to begin as early as July 2021. Following the alteration, units 1 and 2 would no longer require the boilers and coal-fired equipment, and that equipment would be decommissioned.
The AUC issued a notice of application, and no submissions were received in response.
Findings
The AUC found that approval of this project is in the public interest, including its effect on the environment. It determined that the information requirements specified in Rule 007: Applications for Power Plants, Substations, Transmission Lines, Industrial System Designations, and Hydro Developments were met and that no submissions were received in response to the notice of application.
The simple-cycle operation of the project will last approximately ten months and will therefore not be considered a construction activity or temporary noise-generating activity in the context of Rule 012. Based on noise prediction results submitted by Capital Power, the AUC found that both simple-cycle and the combined operation will be compliant with Rule 012.
The AUC acknowledged that Capital Power has filed an application with Alberta Environment and Parks (“AEP”) for an amendment to its Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act approval and that AEP will consider the air quality assessment in its independent evaluation.
Conclusion
Pursuant to sections 11 and 19 of the Hydro and Electric Energy Act, the AUC approved the application to alter and operate the Station.
