Government of Alberta Joins National Clean Coal Effort.

Business/Environmental/Energy Writers

Globe 2002

CALGARY, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 13, 2002

The Canadian Clean Power Coalition (CCPC) today announced a funding partnership with the Government of Alberta for the first phase of the CCPC's planned development and construction of Canada's first 'clean coal' power plant.

Through the Alberta Energy Research Institute (AERI), the Government of Alberta's contribution of $550,000 over the next three years adds to $1.67 million in industry funding already in place for the feasibility study phase of the project. Total cost for this phase is $5 million.

The feasibility study involves detailed research and engineering studies leading to technology selection in 2004. The first complete clean coal demonstration plant is expected to be in operation in 2007.

"The Government of Alberta has long since recognized that investing in energy research is investing in the future prosperity of the province. That is why it is so important for us to participate in initiatives such as this one," said Minister of Innovation and Science Victor Doerksen. "We have identified clean coal research as a priority area, and this study will make a real contribution to addressing the environmental issues associated with coal-fired electricity generation."

"This is great news," says Don Lowry, CCPC spokesperson and EPCOR president and CEO. "We are attempting to make a quantum leap in coal generation technology - it is a task that is well beyond the means of industry alone."

"We welcome the support of the Alberta government, and look forward to working with other public sector jurisdictions across Canada and other private sector organizations that are interested in our work."

The CCPC plans to research, develop, construct and operate a full-scale demonstration plant to test the technical, environmental and economic viability of new clean coal technology. The plan for a clean coal demonstration will consider both a retrofit onto an existing coal plant by 2007 and a clean coal 'greenfield' plant later in the decade. This new technology promises to virtually eliminate air emissions of concern, including carbon dioxide, from coal burning power plants.

The coalition is currently in discussions with a number of provinces and the Government of Canada for public participation in this groundbreaking project.

The Alberta Energy Research Institute (AERI) was established August 1, 2000 and has the responsibility for energy-related research for the province. AERI provides strategic direction to position Alberta for the future in energy development, and invests in research and technology to enhance the sustainable development of the province's abundant energy resources. AERI also advises the Minister of Innovation and Science and the government regarding energy research and the development of resources in the interest of Albertans. All energy research in Alberta is undertaken within the context of environmental sustainability.

The CCPC's seven participating companies represent over 90 per cent of Canada's coal-fired electricity capacity. CCPC members include ATCO Power, EPCOR, Luscar, Nova Scotia Power, Ontario Power Generation, SaskPower and TransAlta.

The Canadian Clean Power Coalition is an association of responsible, leading Canadian coal and coal-fired electricity producers. Our aim is to develop clean coal electricity generation technology that will be an important element in a multi-fuelled, affordable and reliable energy supply for Canadians.

Media are invited to visit representatives of the CCPC and AERI in the Alberta Pavilion at the Globe 2002 trade show in Vancouver, B.C. Globe 2002 is world's largest environmental business conference and trade show taking place March 13 - 15 at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre.