Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) works were carried out by BPC Milner, a joint venture of PCL Construction and Black & Veatch. During the construction phase, the project has created over 120 jobs.
Operating at full capacity since mid-May 8, the M2 peaking power plant is the largest simple-cycle power unit in Alberta and a milestone in the province’s transition away from coal generation.
Maxim specified it built the M2 power project with capital expenditure of C$147 million before borrowing costs, and is considering increasing the plant’s capacity from currently 204 MW to about 300 MW by converting the plant into combined-cycle mode.
Replacing Milner-1 coal power unit
The new M2 gas peaking power unit has been built adjacent to the HR Milner Generating Station -- a 150 MW dual fuel steam turbine generator capable of burning both natural gas and coal. Milner 1 is currently permitted to run at a 9% capacity factor until December 31, 2029.
As a result of commissioning M2, the mostly coal-fired M1 has been laid up with the option to restart at a later date as a stand-alone unit or in combined-cycle operation with Milner 2.
Power produced from both the M2 and the M1 unit is sold to the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO), the operator Maxim Power specified.
As one of Canada’s largest independent power producers, Maxim is focussed entirely on power projects in Alberta. The utility stressed the M2 and M2 power unit generate a stable revenue stream for the Grande Cache regional government and stable electricity supply to local businesses.