The Poplar River 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 582 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing coal energy resources to generate bulk electricity. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the Saskatchewan Power 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, Poplar River occupies the #9 position among all operational coal power plants. Its 582 MW capacity represents a 4.88% share of Canada's total installed coal generating capacity, which currently stands at 11,929 MW. The largest operational coal installation in Canada is the Sundance with an output of 2,141 MW, making the Poplar River approximately 3.7 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.3013% of Canada's aggregate generation capacity of 193,175 MW. Based on historical capacity factors characteristic of coal power plants (modeled at 55% for analysis), the facility's expected annual electricity generation is calculated at approximately 2,804,076 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 254,916 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 49.0579° latitude and -105.4851° longitude. A review of spatial data shows no other significant power generating installations within 50 kilometers, demonstrating the plant's solitary role in serving localized regional demand centres. 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 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 Plant Database
Poplar River Power Plant: A Key Coal-Fired Energy Facility in Canada
The Poplar River Power Plant, located in Saskatchewan, Canada, is a significant coal-fired power generation facility with a capacity of 582 megawatts (MW). Owned and operated by Saskatchewan Power Corporation, this plant plays a crucial role in the province's energy landscape, contributing to the electricity supply that supports both residential and industrial demands. As one of the primary sources of power in Saskatchewan, the Poplar River facility underscores the province's reliance on coal as a major fuel source for energy production.
Coal, the primary fuel type for the Poplar River Power Plant, is a fossil fuel that has been historically favored for its abundance and cost-effectiveness. The plant utilizes sub-bituminous coal, which is known for its relatively lower energy density compared to other coal types but is still efficient for electricity generation. The combustion of coal in the plant's boilers generates steam that drives turbines, ultimately producing electricity. Given the nature of coal as a carbon-intensive fossil fuel, the operation of the Poplar River facility raises important considerations regarding greenhouse gas emissions and overall environmental impact.
The environmental implications of coal-fired power generation are significant. Coal combustion results in the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to air quality degradation and climate change. In response to these environmental challenges, Saskatchewan Power Corp. has implemented various measures to reduce emissions from the Poplar River Power Plant, including investments in cleaner technology and efforts to comply with provincial and federal regulations aimed at minimizing the ecological footprint of coal power generation.
In the context of regional significance, the Poplar River Power Plant serves as a crucial energy source for Saskatchewan, a province characterized by its vast rural areas and industrial activities. The plant not only provides electricity to residential consumers but also supports key sectors such as agriculture and mining, which are vital to the provincial economy. As Saskatchewan continues to navigate the transition to more sustainable energy sources, the role of coal facilities like Poplar River remains a focal point of discussion regarding energy security, economic stability, and environmental responsibility.
With its substantial output and strategic importance, the Poplar River Power Plant represents a crucial element of Saskatchewan's energy framework, balancing the immediate energy needs of the province with the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and the global shift towards renewable energy sources. The future of coal in Saskatchewan remains an evolving narrative, yet the Poplar River facility is poised to play a pivotal role in the province's energy discussions and planning for years to come.
Nearby Power Plants
Understanding Coal as a Power Generation Energy Source
Coal has long been a cornerstone of electricity generation worldwide, with a significant presence in the global energy landscape. As of recent data, there are approximately 2,608 coal power plants operating across 74 countries, boasting a total installed capacity of 2,257.3 gigawatts (GW). The leading nations in coal power generation include China, with 1,018 plants generating 1,038.0 GW, India with 287 plants at 253.3 GW, and the United States with 291 plants producing 252.0 GW. Other notable contributors include Germany and Japan, with 130 plants and 76.8 GW, and 61 plants and 63.9 GW, respectively. This widespread utilization reflects the essential role coal has played in the development of industrial and residential power systems globally.
See Incorrect or Missing Data?
Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power plant data accurate and up-to-date.