Overview
Rundle is a 50 MW hydroelectric power plant in Alberta, Canada, owned by TransAlta. It contributes to the region's renewable energy capacity.
Rundle is a hydroelectric power plant located in Alberta, Canada, with an installed capacity of 50 MW. The facility is fully owned by TransAlta, a major Canadian power generation company. As a hydroelectric plant, it harnesses the energy of flowing water to generate electricity, providing a renewable source of power to the grid. The plant operates under Canadian federal and provincial regulations, including the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and Alberta's Renewable Electricity Program. Hydroelectric plants like Rundle typically use run-of-river or reservoir-based technology, with low emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. The 50 MW capacity places it in the small-to-medium scale for hydroelectric facilities in Canada. Rundle plays a role in Alberta's energy mix, supporting the province's transition to cleaner energy sources. Its operation contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and provides reliable baseload power. The plant's location in the Rocky Mountain region benefits from consistent water flow, ensuring stable electricity generation for local communities.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation has a low carbon footprint but can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The Rundle plant is situated in a mountainous region, where water resources are abundant. Its operation may influence downstream habitats and fish migration patterns. Regulatory frameworks such as the Canadian Fisheries Act and provincial water management policies govern its environmental impact.
Frequently asked questions
The Rundle hydroelectric power plant is located in Alberta, Canada, near the Rocky Mountains.
The Rundle power plant has an installed capacity of 50 megawatts (MW).
The Rundle hydroelectric plant is fully owned by TransAlta, a major Canadian power generation company.
Hydroelectric plants in Canada are regulated under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, the Fisheries Act, and provincial water management laws. They must comply with environmental assessments and operational permits.
Hydroelectric power has low greenhouse gas emissions but can affect aquatic ecosystems, water flow, and fish migration. Mitigation measures such as fish ladders and flow management are often required.