ATCO Power operates two major coal-fired thermal generating stations in Alberta:
In these thermal power generating stations, coal is burned to heat water in a boiler and converted to high-pressure steam. The high-pressure steam is directed into a steam turbine which turns the turbine shaft. This shaft is connected to an electrical generator which produces electricity.
Coal for the generating stations is often extracted from a nearby coal mine. Once the coal is removed, the mined land is reclaimed, often better than its original state.
Ash produced in coal combustion is collected using electrostatic precipitators. It is sold for use as a concrete additive.
Central Alberta is home to the Battle River Generating Station that was commissioned in 1969.
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