Overview
Westlock (Dapp) is a 17 MW biomass power plant in Alberta, Canada, owned by Drayton Valley Power under the SPRD Program. It converts biomass into electricity, supporting renewable energy generation.
Westlock (Dapp) is a biomass power plant located near Westlock, Alberta, Canada, with a capacity of 17 MW. It is owned by Drayton Valley Power under the SPRD Program and is currently operational. As a biomass facility, it contributes to Canada's renewable energy portfolio by generating electricity from organic materials. The plant operates using biomass combustion technology, a common approach for converting wood waste, agricultural residues, or other organic feedstocks into power. In Canada, biomass power plants are subject to provincial and federal emissions regulations, including the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and Alberta's Renewable Electricity Program. The 17 MW capacity places it in the small-to-medium scale range for biomass power generation. Environmentally, biomass power generation offers a lower carbon footprint compared to fossil fuels, as it utilizes waste materials and can be carbon-neutral if sustainably sourced. The plant's location in rural Alberta supports local waste management and provides grid stability. Its operational status underscores its role in diversifying Canada's energy mix and reducing reliance on coal and natural gas.
Environmental context
Biomass power plants like Westlock (Dapp) use organic feedstocks, which can reduce methane emissions from waste decomposition and provide a renewable energy source. However, combustion still releases CO2, SOx, and NOx, though at lower levels than coal. Proximity to populated areas is minimal due to its rural location. The plant's small capacity limits its overall environmental footprint, but sustainable sourcing of biomass is critical for carbon neutrality.
Frequently asked questions
Westlock (Dapp) is located near Westlock, Alberta, Canada, at coordinates 54.4153 N, -114.1769 W.
The plant has a capacity of 17 MW, making it a small-to-medium scale biomass power facility.
The plant is owned by Drayton Valley Power under the SPRD Program.
Biomass power plants in Canada must comply with the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and provincial regulations, such as Alberta's Renewable Electricity Program, which set emission limits for SOx, NOx, and particulate matter.
Biomass power uses organic waste materials, reducing landfill methane emissions and providing a renewable energy source. When sourced sustainably, it can be carbon-neutral, as the CO2 released during combustion is offset by the carbon absorbed during plant growth.