The Opal Power Plant is a proposed 101 megawatt (MW) flexible gas-fired power plant, with potential carbon capture, and a 138kV substation located on crown land approximately 1.3 kilometres south of the Town of Fox Creek, Alberta. Opal will be connected to the Alberta Interconnected Electric System via a new transmission line.
Opal will occupy approximately 6 acres of land on a total lease area of 18 acres.
Major components of the Opal Power Plant include nine high-efficiency hydrogen capable Bergen B36:45V20 gas engine sets, one new 138kV substation (consisting of two 70MVA 138kV power transformers), and a control building.
Alberta is targeting to produce at least 30% of its electricity from renewable sources by the end of 2030. While several renewable energy projects are underway to achieve this target, including Kiwetinohk’s Solar Project 1 (Homestead), other sources of reliable, low carbon electricity are needed to support the buildout of intermittent renewable energy and support both the province’s energy requirements and clean energy ambitions.
The Opal Power Plant will offer a number of benefits, including:
Kiwetinohk is engaged with local First Nations regarding the potential impacts and benefits from the Opal Power Plant, including opportunities for Indigenous businesses during construction, operations and maintenance and ensuring Indigenous environmental knowledge and cultural needs are included as part of project planning.
Air emissions modeling is underway and the results will be included in Kiwetinohk’s application to the Alberta Utilities Commission. The project will meet the Alberta Air Emission Standard for Electricity Generation and the Alberta Emission Guidelines for Electricity Generation and the Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives and Guidelines as required.
A detailed Noise Impact Assessment (NIA) is being undertaken to ensure the Firm Renewable 1 power plant adheres to the Alberta Utilities Commission Rule 012: Noise Control during both the construction and operation phases. A copy of the NIA will be included in the application to the Alberta Utilities Commission, which is anticipated in January 2022.
A variety of wildlife assessments, wetland/watercourse assessments, vegetation and rare plants surveys and soils assessment are being completed as required by Alberta Environment and Park. Environmental assessment information and proposed mitigation measures will be submitted to AEP during the Industrial Designation application process. An application will be completed pursuant to the Historical Resources Act and clearance will be obtained prior to construction.
Kiwetinohk is targeting to reach a final investment decision (FID) on the Opal Power Plant by Q4 2022 once all regulatory approvals are obtained, and financing and commercial arrangements are finalized. Based on this estimated FID timeline, Kiwetinohk is planning to start construction of the Opal Power Plant in April 2023. Kiwetinohk is in advanced discussions with EPC company SAMPOL Group, using reciprocating gas engines supplied by Bergen Engines (part of Langley Holdings, UK) for the full turnkey solution and construction of the Opal Power Plant.
SAMPOL and Bergen Engines have a successful international track record across a range of power plant projects in Europe, North and South America for both multinational industrial clients for highly efficient cogeneration applications, as well as for grid export applications. Bergen Engines of Norway, was founded in 1855 and is a world leader in medium-speed power solutions at land and at sea, offering low emission solutions with fast ramp-up and market-leading fuel efficiency and hydrogen readiness. SAMPOL Group is an International, privately owned company based in Spain and founded in 1934 with over 1600 employees and extensive experience in energy, applied engineering, hotels, airports and digital technology, offering the highest level of quality.
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