Horseshoe
The Horseshow hydroelectric facility is located near Seebe, Alberta. It is one of four hydro plants on the Bow Mainstream System in Alberta, which is part of the Bow River Electric System.
Built in 1911, the Horseshoe Plant was TransAlta’s first power plant. The facility is a run-of-the-river plant, which means it uses river water as it flows, with no reservoir for storage.
Named after the Horseshoe Falls, the plant is located next to the Stoney Nakoda Nations reserves. The facility represents the beginning of TransAlta’s longstanding relationship with the Stoney people.
The Horseshoe plant generates an average of 84,000 megawatt-hours each year.
TransAlta’s hydroelectric plants, like Horseshoe, primarily provide electricity during periods of peak electrical demand and ensure system stability. Their operating flexibility means they can start quickly to introduce hydro power within minutes, balancing out shortages due to unexpected outages, or providing power at times of high demand.
Environmental highlights
Protection of the environment is an important part of our hydro power business, as is responsible water use. We continually work with environmental and community groups to ensure habitats are protected, and that all users’ needs are heard.
The Horseshoe hydroelectric facility has a UL ECOLOGO® Certification for Renewable Energy.
Water licence renewals
TransAlta is seeking to renew two water licences for the Kananaskis and Horseshoe Falls hydroelectric facilities issued under the Dominion Water Power Act of Canada. The previous renewal came into force on October 10, 1997. TransAlta is seeking to renew the licences for a 30-year period with no design changes currently being proposed at either facility.
In October 2024 the renewal applications were submitted to Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) and included information such as:
- Facility History
- Facility Description
- Dam Safety
- Land Ownership
- Water Rental Agreements
- Environmental Compliance
- Public Engagement
Please contact the project team directly by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1 (888) 893-4980
