Keephills 3
Keephills 3 began commercial operations in September 2011 as one of Canada’s largest and cleanest coal-fired facilities and one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in the world. CO2 emissions per MW will be lower than those from a conventional coal plant because less fuel is used to produce the same amount of power.
This facility is an important step in ensuring Alberta’s future power needs are met with a reliable, cost-effective and an environmentally responsible source of electricity.
Air Quality Control Systems
Keephills 3 is equipped with advanced air quality control systems designed to reduce emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), mercury (Hg) and particulate matter.
The facility has:
- A flue-gas desulphurization unit for removing (SO2).
- Low nitrogen oxides (NOx) staged burners to reduce NOx emissions.
- A mercury emission control system, using activated carbon injection technology.
- A high efficiency particulate collection system, using fabric filters (baghouse) which capture 99.9 per cent of particulate emissions.
Supercritical Boiler Technology
Keephills 3 uses supercritical boiler technology, which features higher boiler pressure and temperatures and a high-efficiency steam turbine. This technology, first introduced to Canada by TransAlta and Capital Power when Genesee 3 was built, results in lower CO2 emissions per MW compared to a conventional coal plant.

Facts & Figures
Location: Wabamun, AB
Fuel: Coal
Capacity (MW): 463
Ownership: 100%
Operator: Yes
First on-stream: 2011
Revenue Source: Merchant
Builder: No