Overview
Joffre is a 480 MW gas power plant in Alberta, Canada, operated by ATCO / Nova / Capital Power. It supplies electricity to the grid under Canadian provincial regulations.
Joffre is a natural gas-fired power generation facility located in Alberta, Canada, with a capacity of 480 megawatts. The plant is owned and operated by a consortium including ATCO, Nova, and Capital Power, and is currently in operational status. It plays a key role in Alberta's electricity market, which relies heavily on natural gas for baseload and peaking power. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the Alberta Utilities Commission and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, which set emission limits for nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. Natural gas plants like Joffre typically use combined-cycle or simple-cycle gas turbine technology, offering lower emissions per megawatt compared to coal-fired generation. The 480 MW capacity places it in the medium-to-large scale range for gas plants in Canada. Joffre contributes to Alberta's energy grid, supporting industrial and residential demand in the region. Its location in central Alberta positions it near major transmission corridors and natural gas supply routes. The plant's operation aligns with Canada's transition toward lower-carbon electricity generation, though natural gas remains a significant part of the provincial energy mix.
Environmental context
The Joffre gas power plant operates in Alberta, a province with a significant oil and gas industry. Natural gas combustion produces lower carbon dioxide emissions per megawatt than coal but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The plant's proximity to agricultural and rural areas may affect local air quality through nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions. Alberta's regulatory framework includes carbon pricing and emission intensity targets for large industrial emitters, influencing the plant's operational practices.
Frequently asked questions
The Joffre gas power plant is located in Alberta, Canada, near the coordinates 52.3078° N, 113.5468° W.
The Joffre power plant has a capacity of 480 megawatts, making it a medium-to-large scale natural gas facility.
The Joffre power plant is owned by a consortium including ATCO, Nova, and Capital Power.
Gas power plants in Canada are regulated under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and provincial bodies like the Alberta Utilities Commission, which set emission limits for pollutants and greenhouse gases.
Natural gas power generation produces lower carbon emissions than coal but still emits carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants. Modern combined-cycle plants achieve higher efficiency and lower emissions per megawatt.