World Power PlantsWorld Power Plants

Sundance2,141 MW Coal

Coal

The Sundance Power Plant, situated in Canada at coordinates 53.5075, -114.5569, is a notable coal-fired energy generation facility with a capacity of 2141 MW. Managed by TransAlta, this plant plays a crucial role in supplying electricity to the Alberta region, making it a key player in the province's energy mix. Utilising coal as its primary fuel source, Sundance has been providing reliable baseload power for many years, contributing significantly to the local grid and supporting economic activities in the area. The technology used at Sundance reflects traditional coal power generation methods, and while coal has been a cornerstone of Alberta's energy landscape, the plant faces increasing scrutiny due to environmental concerns and national commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The significance of Sundance extends beyond mere power generation; it also plays a part in the ongoing dialogue surrounding energy policy in Canada. As the country seeks to transition toward a more sustainable energy future, facilities like Sundance are at the forefront of discussions about energy diversity, reliability, and the need for cleaner alternatives. The operational context of this plant is becoming increasingly complex as Alberta grapples with the challenges of balancing energy needs with environmental responsibilities.

Capacity
2,141 MW

2.14 GW

Commissioning Year
1983

43 years old

Owner
TransAlta
Location
53.5075°, -114.5569°

Canada, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 53.507500, -114.556900
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
8.46 Mt
10315 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
363.72 Mt
Over 43 years of operation
Past Retirement
2023
3 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.8M
cars per year
1.1M
homes per year
384.5M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Coal emission factor (820 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (55%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Coal
Energy Source
Non-Renewable
Country
Canada
Continent
North America
Data Source
Global Power Station Database

CanadaEnergy Profile

1,334
Total Stations
193.2 GW
Total Capacity
HydroGasNuclearWind
Top Fuels

Coal as a Power Generation Energy Source: An Overview

Coal has been a cornerstone of electricity generation for over a century, accounting for a significant share of global energy production. As of now, there are approximately 2,608 coal power plants worldwide, distributed across 74 countries, with a total installed capacity of around 2,257.3 gigawatts (GW). The leading countries in coal power generation include China, which operates 1,018 plants with a capacity of 1,038.0 GW, followed by India with 287 plants at 253.3 GW, and the United States with 291 plants at 252.0 GW. Other notable contributors include Germany and Japan, which have 130 and 61 plants, respectively, with capacities of 76.8 GW and 63.9 GW.

See Incorrect or Missing Data?

Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power station data accurate and up-to-date.