TransAlta completes coal phase out in Canada

The achievement follows the completion of the last of three planned coal to gas conversions at its Alberta Thermal power generation facilities

TransAlta Corporation has announced the company has achieved full phase out of coal power in Canada.

The achievement follows the completion of the last of three planned coal to gas conversions (CTG) at its Alberta Thermal power generation facilities.

The CTG reduces the company’s carbon emissions by almost 50% from around 0.86 tonnes of carbon equivalent per MWh to around 0.43 tonnes of carbon equivalent per Mwh.

John Kousinioris, President and CEO of TransAlta said: “The full conversion of Keephills Unit 3 (KH3) from thermal coal to natural gas is a significant milestone for TransAlta in its transition off coal. We are pleased to have completed this important step, nine years ahead of the government target.

“Our coal transition is among the most meaningful carbon emissions reduction achievements in Canadian history.”

TransAlta has invested $295 million (£171m) in its CTG programme since 2019, which also included the conversions of its Sundance Unit 6, Keephills Unit 2 and Sheerness Units 1 and 2, plus the construction of new high volume gas delivery infrastructure.

Overall, the converted units generate nearly 50% less carbon emissions, supporting the company’s target to reduce 60% – or 19.7 million tonnes – of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

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