Overview
Suncor Utility Plant is a 70 MW gas-fired power plant in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, operated by TransAlta. It provides electricity to the local grid.
Suncor Utility Plant is a natural gas-fired power generation facility located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. With a capacity of 70 MW, it is a medium-scale plant within the Canadian power sector, contributing to the region's electricity supply. The plant is owned and operated by TransAlta, a major Canadian power generator. The facility operates under Canada's federal and provincial environmental regulations, including the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and Ontario's emissions standards for nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide. As a gas-fired plant, it utilizes combined cycle or simple cycle technology typical for its size, offering lower carbon intensity compared to coal-fired generation. This plant plays a role in supporting Ontario's electricity grid, which has a diverse mix of nuclear, hydro, and renewable sources. Its location in the National Capital Region underscores its importance for local energy reliability. The use of natural gas as a fuel aligns with the province's transition away from coal-fired power.
Environmental context
The plant's gas-fired operation results in lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions per MWh compared to coal plants, but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Its location in Ottawa, a populated urban area, means emissions are subject to local air quality regulations. The facility's age and technology type (likely simple cycle or combined cycle) influence its efficiency and environmental footprint. Proximity to residential areas necessitates compliance with stringent emission limits.
Frequently asked questions
Suncor Utility Plant is located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, near the coordinates 45.4019 N, -75.6557 W.
Suncor Utility Plant is a natural gas-fired power plant with a capacity of 70 megawatts.
The plant is owned and operated by TransAlta, a leading Canadian power generation company.
Gas power plants in Canada must comply with the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, provincial emissions standards, and federal greenhouse gas regulations. Ontario also has specific air quality and emissions limits for NOx and SO2.
The plant provides 70 MW of flexible gas-fired generation, supporting grid reliability and complementing Ontario's mix of nuclear, hydro, and renewable energy sources.