The Halton Hills is a key infrastructure asset in Canada's power generation grid, located on the continent of North America. Designated as a fossil fuel electricity generation station, the facility features an installed capacity of 712 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing gas energy resources to generate bulk electricity. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the TransCanada Corp, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2010, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within Canada, Halton Hills occupies the #10 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 712 MW capacity represents a 2.43% share of Canada's total installed gas generating capacity, which currently stands at 29,357 MW. The largest operational gas installation in Canada is the Lennox Generating Station with an output of 2,140 MW, making the Halton Hills approximately 3.0 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.3686% of Canada's aggregate generation capacity of 193,175 MW. Based on historical capacity factors characteristic of gas power plants (modeled at 40% for analysis), the facility's expected annual electricity generation is calculated at approximately 2,494,848 MWh. Applying domestic consumption statistics where an average household in Canada consumes 11 MWh of electricity annually, this level of production is sufficient to meet the energy demands of roughly 226,804 homes. By utilizing traditional thermal power processes, the station delivers reliable dispatchable energy to the grid, supporting grid resilience during periods of low renewable resource availability and satisfying industrial base-load demands. The physical site of the station is located at geographic coordinates 43.5613° latitude and -79.8447° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Goreway (gas-fired, 875 MW), the Goreway Power Station (gas-fired, 875 MW), the Halton Hills Generating Station (gas-fired, 641.5 MW), representing a cluster of localized power assets. This geographic placement is vital for reinforcing regional distribution infrastructure and minimizing transmission line losses across this sector of Canada.
16 years old
Canada, North America
Location
Estimates based on Gas emission factor (490 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (45%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.
Technical Details
- Primary Fuel Type
- Gas
- Energy Source
- Non-Renewable
- Country
Canada- Continent
- North America
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Overview of Halton Hills Generating Station in Canada
The Halton Hills Generating Station is a significant natural gas-fired power plant located near Halton Hills, Ontario, Canada. With a total capacity of 712 megawatts (MW), it plays a crucial role in the region's energy supply, contributing to the reliability and stability of the electricity grid in Ontario. The facility is owned and operated by TransCanada Corp., one of North America's largest energy infrastructure companies, which underscores the importance of this power plant within the broader context of Canadian energy production.
The Halton Hills facility primarily utilizes natural gas as its fuel source. Natural gas is considered a cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to coal or oil, producing lower emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter when combusted. The technology employed at Halton Hills includes combined cycle gas turbines, which enhance efficiency by using waste heat from gas turbines to generate additional electricity via steam turbines. This approach not only maximizes energy output but also minimizes fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions per unit of electricity produced.
In terms of environmental impact, the Halton Hills Generating Station is positioned as a more environmentally friendly option within the fossil fuel category. While natural gas combustion does result in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the overall impact is significantly lower than that of traditional coal-fired plants. The facility has been designed to meet stringent environmental regulations, incorporating advanced emissions control technologies to further reduce its ecological footprint. This aligns with Canada's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning towards more sustainable energy sources.
Regionally, the Halton Hills Generating Station serves as a vital component of Ontario's electricity infrastructure. The facility aids in meeting peak demand periods, particularly during hot summer months when air conditioning use spikes. It also supports the grid's stability by providing quick-start capabilities, which are essential for balancing supply and demand fluctuations. As Ontario continues to phase out coal-fired generation, plants like Halton Hills become increasingly important in ensuring a reliable energy supply while supporting the province's transition to a lower-carbon energy system.
In summary, the Halton Hills Generating Station stands out as a key player in Canada's energy landscape, providing significant power generation capacity while utilizing natural gas as a cleaner fuel source. Its operational efficiencies and environmental considerations align with the country's goals for sustainable energy development, making it an essential asset in the ongoing evolution of Ontario's electricity supply system.
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Gas Power Generation: An Overview of Its Mechanisms, Benefits, and Future Prospects
Gas power generation is a significant component of the global energy landscape, characterized by the use of natural gas to produce electricity. This process typically involves either gas turbines or combined cycle gas plants. In a gas turbine, compressed air is mixed with natural gas and ignited, producing high-temperature exhaust gases that spin a turbine connected to a generator. Combined cycle plants enhance efficiency by utilizing both gas and steam turbines. After the gas turbine generates electricity, the waste heat is used to produce steam, which drives a steam turbine, thereby maximizing energy extraction from the fuel.
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