Calpine Power Income Fund's 300-MW Calgary Energy Centre Enters Commercial Operation
CALGARY, Alberta, Apr 1, 2003
The Calpine Power Income Fund announced today that the Calgary Energy Centre entered commercial operation on March 31, 2003. Fueled by clean natural gas and incorporating advanced combined-cycle technology, the Calgary Energy Centre interconnects directly to the Alberta Interconnected Electric System (AIES). The facility generates 250 megawatts of electricity, with the ability to generate an additional 50 megawatts during high demand periods.
The construction of the Calgary Energy Centre began in May 2001, in response to Alberta's deregulating electricity markets and the need for new generation in the province. The location of the Calgary Energy Centre helps meet the increasing demand for electricity in Southern Alberta and reduces the need for high cost electrical transmission system expansion. The Calgary Energy Centre represents an investment of approximately Cdn $300 million into the Alberta economy.
The Calgary Energy Centre is located in the northeast corner of Calgary, Alberta. It uses modern, natural gas-fired combustion turbine technology that is 40 percent more efficient than older-technology, natural gas-fired plants. The Calgary Energy Centre also utilizes best available control technology that significantly reduces plant emissions below allowable limits.
'This is an important milestone for the Calpine Power Income Fund and the Alberta electricity sector,'said Rohn Crabtree, president and CEO of Calpine Canada Power Ltd., the manager of the Calpine Power Income Fund. 'The timely completion of the Calgary Energy Centre demonstrates the value added by our sponsor, Calpine Corporation. The high quality design of this plant, coupled with its operational efficiency and environmental advantages, reflect our commitment to this community and to our unitholders.'
In addition to the Calgary Energy Centre, the Calpine Power Income Fund operates the 225-megawatt Island Cogeneration Facility in British Columbia, which has returned to service following a maintenance outage. The Fund also has a participating loan interest in a 50-megawatt power plant in Ontario. The Fund is managed by Calpine Canada Power Ltd., with headquarters in Calgary, Alberta. |
