The Alberta Utilities Commission on Aug. 31 approved an application from Peace River Power GP Ltd. to construct and operate a 98-MW, natural gas-fired plant designated as the Peace River Power Project.
“After consideration of the record of the proceeding, and for the reasons outlined in this decision, the Commission finds that approval of the proposed project is in the public interest, having regard to the social and economic effects of the project and its effects on the environment,” said the Aug. 31 order.
Peace River Power filed a July 7 application with the AUC for approval to construct and operate this plant in Northern Sunrise county. The project would consist of two 49-MW simple cycle General Electric LM6000-PH gas turbine generators and two 13.8/144-kilovolt step-up transformers, with a total generating capability of 98 MW. The project would be located approximately 40 kilometers northeast of the town of Peace River.
Peace River Power stated that the proposed power plant would utilize conventional sales and associated gas from the existing production wells in the vicinity of the project site and convert it into electric power. The power will be exported to the Alberta Interconnected Electric System. Peace River Power added that the plant would reduce the amount of gas being flared in the region and also reduce the noise and odor associated with the flaring of the associated gas. The project area is approximately 4.3 hectares in size and is located adjacent to an existing facility operated by Baytex Energy Corp.
