Industry coalition announces plans for a Canadian clean coal demonstration power plant
Proposed demonstration plant aims to be cleaner than the world's best natural gas plant
CALGARY, Alberta (March 11, 2002) – The Canadian Clean Power Coalition (CCPC), a group of Canadian coal and coal-fired electricity producers, today announced plans for a Canadian clean coal demonstration power plant.
The CCPC will research, develop, construct and operate a full-scale demonstration plant by 2007 to test the technical, environmental and economic viability of new clean coal technology for retrofit onto an existing coal plant.
The coalition has begun the feasibility study phase of their research into the retrofit power plant. They are also studying the development of clean coal technology for a 'greenfield' facility to be demonstrated later in the decade.
This new technology promises to virtually eliminate air emissions of concern, including carbon dioxide, from coal burning power plants.
"Canadians are looking for ways to address the complex environmental issues associated with coal-fired electricity generation," says Don Lowry, CCPC spokesperson and EPCOR president and CEO. "The CCPC thinks the answer lies in a multi-fuel approach to electric power generation and the combined efforts of industry and governments to develop the next generation of coal combustion technology."
The CCPC's seven participating companies represent over 90 per cent of Canada's coal-fired electricity capacity. CCPC members include ATCO Power, EPCOR, Luscar, Nova Scotia Power, Ontario Power Generation, SaskPower and TransAlta.
Lowry says coalition membership is open to others. "We've had interest in our project from across Canada and around the world. The welcome mat is out. This is a huge endeavour; we're happy to speak with any organization, government or company interested in joining us."
The coalition is currently in discussions with the Government of Canada and a number of provinces for public participation in this groundbreaking project.
In Canada approximately a fifth of our electricity is generated by coal. Alberta, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia all depend on coal for 70 per cent of their needs, with coal supplying 25 per cent of Ontario's net generation.
Internationally, dependence on coal is even more acute. In China 81 percent of electric generation is fueled by coal and in India that number is about 75 per cent. In the United States, coal accounts for 57 per cent of total generation.
The Canadian Clean Power Coalition is an association of responsible, leading Canadian coal and coal-fired electricity producers. Our aim is to develop clean coal electricity generation technology that will be an important element in a multi-fuelled, affordable and reliable energy supply for Canadians.
Government of Alberta joins national clean coal effort
CALGARY, Alberta (March 13, 2002) - The Canadian Clean Power Coalition (CCPC) today announced a funding partnership with the Government of Alberta for the first phase of the CCPC's planned development and construction of Canada's first 'clean coal' power plant.
Through the Alberta Energy Research Institute (AERI), the Government of Alberta's contribution of $550,000 over the next three years, adds to $1.67 million in industry funding already in place for the feasibility study phase of the project. Total cost for this phase is $5 million.
The feasibility study involves detailed research and engineering studies leading to technology selection in 2004. The first complete clean coal demonstration plant is expected to be in operation in 2007.
"The Government of Alberta has long since recognized that investing in energy research is investing in the future prosperity of the province. That is why it is so important for us to participate in initiatives such as this one," said Minister of Innovation and Science Victor Doerksen. "We have identified clean coal research as a priority area, and this study will make a real contribution to addressing the environmental issues associated with coal-fired electricity generation."
"This is great news," says Don Lowry, CCPC spokesperson and EPCOR president and CEO. "We are attempting to make a quantum leap in coal generation technology – it is a task that is well beyond the means of industry alone."
"We welcome the support of the Alberta government, and look forward to working with other public sector jurisdictions across Canada and other private sector organizations that are interested in our work."
The CCPC plans to research, develop, construct and operate a full-scale demonstration plant to test the technical, environmental and economic viability of new clean coal technology. The plan for a clean coal demonstration will consider both a retrofit onto an existing coal plant by 2007 and a clean coal 'greenfield' plant later in the decade. This new technology promises to virtually eliminate air emissions of concern, including carbon dioxide, from coal burning power plants.
The coalition is currently in discussions with a number of provinces and the Government of Canada for public participation in this groundbreaking project.
The Alberta Energy Research Institute (AERI) was established August 1, 2000 and has the responsibility for energy-related research for the province. AERI provides strategic direction to position Alberta for the future in energy development, and invests in research and technology to enhance the sustainable development of the province's abundant energy resources. AERI also advises the Minister of Innovation and Science and the government regarding energy research and the development of resources in the interest of Albertans. All energy research in Alberta is undertaken within the context of environmental sustainability.
The CCPC's seven participating companies represent over 90 per cent of Canada's coal-fired electricity capacity. CCPC members include ATCO Power, EPCOR, Luscar, Nova Scotia Power, Ontario Power Generation, SaskPower and TransAlta.
The Canadian Clean Power Coalition is an association of responsible, leading Canadian coal and coal-fired electricity producers. Our aim is to develop clean coal electricity generation technology that will be an important element in a multi-fuelled, affordable and reliable energy supply for Canadians.
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Peter Symons
Media Affairs Group
(403) 271-8293