Alberta's clean electricity turbine a Canadian first, ENMAX says
A unique piece of technology that has recently been completed in Crossfield, Alta., aims to take a chunk out of the greenhouse gas emissions produced by generating electricity.
The hybrid electric gas turbine, built by Calgary-based ENMAX Energy, combines a battery energy storage system with an existing natural gas-fueled turbine to provide standby electricity without the need to burn fuel.
"A hybrid electric gas turbine operates much like a hybrid car," the company said in a statement released last week. "When stopped at a red light, the hybrid car engine doesn't burn fuel while it waits. As soon as the light turns green, the battery kicks in and the car starts running instantly while the engine subsequently starts up and takes over."
The turbine, located at ENMAX's Crossfield Energy Centre, follows the same type of process, ensuring the gas turbine runs for a shorter period of time.
Lonnie Enns, senior vice-president of ENMAX says the innovation helps the company assume a leading role in the province's carbon future.
"We believe battery storage will play an increasingly important role in providing safe, clean and reliable energy to Albertans, and the hybrid technology deployed at Crossfield can serve as a model for other natural gas facilities across Canada," he said.
(Supplied/ENMAX)
EQUIVALENT OF TAKING 10,000 CARS OFF THE ROAD
The technology is expected to reduce the run time of the turbine by approximately 80 per cent, equating to a reduction of 45,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year.
ENMAX says it cost $14.6 million to build the system, with half of that covered by the province's Industrial Efficiency Challenge.
"The government of Alberta knows that technology can help industry reduce emissions and operating costs. That's why funding was delivered through Emissions Reduction Alberta for first-of-its-kind demonstrations and deployment to bring ground-breaking solutions for real emissions reductions to our industry," said Minister of Environment and Parks Jason Nixon in a release.
The turbine is unique technology and continues to put Calgary on the map in terms of clean energy generation.
"Calgary should be the centre of the clean energy revolution," said Mayor Naheed Nenshi.
"I'm thrilled that ENMAX is the first in Canada to implement this kind of technology."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.