TransAlta begins construction on Canada's largest cogeneration plant
Full commercial operation of the new plant is expected by October 2002. It will supply Bayer, Dow Chemical Canada Inc. and NOVA Chemicals (Canada) Ltd. Sarnia operations with power and steam. Excess power will be sold into competitive electricity markets.
"We are pleased that TransAlta is moving ahead with this big investment in Ontario," said Minister Wilson. "This means jobs for Ontario. It shows confidence in Ontario. And it's a clear indication that our government's progress in bringing competition to Ontario's electricity market is working, and moving in the right direction."
"The TransAlta investment is a huge vote of confidence in the 'new Sarnia' economy," said Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley. "This ground breaking endorses Sarnia's role as a key industrial location in this province."
Under the terms of the contract, TransAlta will build, own and operate a 440-MW cogeneration plant and acquire and operate existing utility plants representing 210 MW. The project demonstrates TransAlta's commitment to grow its gas-fired generation by 500 MW per year, and to own and operate 10,000 MW by 2002.
The new plant is expected to play a significant role in decreasing air emissions in the area. Through improved fuel usage and equipment upgrades, the Sarnia facility will reduce air emissions by approximately 66 per cent compared to the current joint venture facility.
"Protecting the environment is a driver in reshaping the electricity market place. Putting the shovel in the ground today is evidence of this," said Ontario Environment Minister Dan Newman.
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Ottawa sets out to protect its hydro heritage
OTTAWA - The city of Ottawa is looking to designate five hydro substations built nearly a century ago as heritage structures, a move intended to protect the architectural history of Ottawa's earliest forays into the electricity business.
All five buildings are still used by Hydro Ottawa to reduce the voltage coming from transmission lines before the electricity is transmitted to homes and businesses.
Electricity came to Ottawa in 1882 when two carbon lamps were installed on LeBreton Flats, heritage planner Anne Fitzpatrick told the city's built heritage subcommittee on Tuesday. It became a lucrative business, and soon a privately owned monopoly.
In 1905,…
