Overview
Poplar Creek is a 360 MW gas-fired power plant in Alberta, Canada, operated by TransAlta. It provides reliable electricity to the regional grid.
Poplar Creek is a natural gas-fired power generation facility located in Alberta, Canada, with a capacity of 360 megawatts (MW). Operated by TransAlta, the plant is classified as a medium-scale gas power plant and plays a key role in the province's electricity supply. The facility utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel, a common choice in Alberta due to abundant local gas resources. While specific technology details are not disclosed, gas plants in this region typically employ combined-cycle or simple-cycle gas turbines, which offer higher efficiency and lower emissions compared to older coal-fired units. The plant operates under Canada's federal and provincial environmental regulations, including the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and Alberta's emission standards. Poplar Creek contributes to Alberta's energy mix by providing dispatchable power that complements intermittent renewable sources. Its location in a sparsely populated area reduces direct exposure to urban populations, though its greenhouse gas emissions are subject to Canada's carbon pricing mechanisms. The plant supports grid stability and local economic activity through job creation and energy supply.
Environmental context
The plant's gas-fired operation results in lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions compared to coal, but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Its location in a remote area minimizes direct impact on populated zones. Typical gas plants in Canada are subject to federal and provincial emission limits and carbon pricing, encouraging efficiency improvements.
Frequently asked questions
Poplar Creek is located in Alberta, Canada, at coordinates 57.0080° N, -111.4868° W.
Poplar Creek is a natural gas-fired power plant with a capacity of 360 MW.
Poplar Creek is operated by TransAlta, a major Canadian power generation company.
Gas power plants in Canada must comply with the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, provincial emission standards, and federal carbon pricing mechanisms. They are also subject to greenhouse gas reporting requirements.
Poplar Creek provides dispatchable, baseload or peaking power to Alberta's grid, helping to balance supply and demand, especially when renewable sources like wind and solar are variable.