The Queen Elizabeth 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 634 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 Saskatchewan Power Corp, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2000, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within Canada, Queen Elizabeth occupies the #13 position among all operational gas power plants. Its 634 MW capacity represents a 2.16% 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 Queen Elizabeth approximately 3.4 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.3282% 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 2,221,536 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 201,958 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 52.0944° latitude and -106.7050° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Cory Cogeneration (gas-fired, 260 MW), the Saskatoon Landfill (biomass-fired, 1.6 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.
26 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
Queen Elizabeth Power Plant: A Key Gas-Fired Energy Facility in Saskatchewan
The Queen Elizabeth Power Plant, located in Canada, is a significant gas-fired power generation facility owned by Saskatchewan Power Corporation. With a generation capacity of 634 megawatts (MW), it plays a crucial role in meeting the electricity demands of the province of Saskatchewan. As a natural gas facility, it contributes to the energy mix of the region, providing a reliable source of power that helps stabilize the grid, particularly during peak demand periods. Natural gas is known for its efficiency and relatively lower carbon emissions compared to coal and other fossil fuels, making it a preferred choice for many modern power plants, including Queen Elizabeth.
Natural gas is primarily composed of methane and is considered one of the cleaner-burning fossil fuels available. The combustion of natural gas emits significantly fewer pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), compared to coal-fired power plants. This characteristic positions the Queen Elizabeth Power Plant as a more environmentally friendly option in the context of fossil fuel energy generation. Additionally, the facility employs advanced technologies to minimize its environmental footprint, including state-of-the-art emissions control systems that help to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In the broader context of Canada's energy sector, the Queen Elizabeth Power Plant plays an important role in ensuring energy security for Saskatchewan. The province has historically relied on coal as a primary energy source, but there has been a significant transition towards cleaner energy options, aligning with national and provincial goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. The inclusion of natural gas facilities such as Queen Elizabeth supports this transition by providing a flexible, responsive energy source that can quickly adjust output to match fluctuating electricity demand.
The regional significance of the Queen Elizabeth Power Plant cannot be overstated. It serves not only as a vital source of electricity for Saskatchewan but also contributes to the local economy through job creation and infrastructure development. The plant's operations support a range of ancillary services, including maintenance, supply chains, and local businesses, enhancing the economic resilience of the region. Furthermore, as Saskatchewan continues to explore additional renewable energy sources, the Queen Elizabeth Power Plant will likely remain an essential component of the energy landscape, providing the necessary backup to intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar.
In summary, the Queen Elizabeth Power Plant exemplifies a modern approach to energy generation in Canada, showcasing the benefits of natural gas as a cleaner alternative within the fossil fuel spectrum. Its capacity, environmental considerations, and regional contributions underscore its importance in shaping the future of Saskatchewan's energy sector.
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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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