Oldman River

Hydroelectric Project

The 32-megawatt Oldman River hydro project in southern Alberta is the first hydro project undertaken by ATCO Power. ATCO Power was selected in January 1999 by Alberta Environment to develop the project at the existing dam site near Pincher Creek, Alberta.

Generation is provided predominately between May to September when water flow is greatest. This run-of-river project consists of two 19-megawatt turbines located at the outlet of the existing east water diversion tunnel.

A 6.6 kilometre, 138-kV transmission line connects the pant to the Pincher Creek substation. A step-up substation at the power plant increases the voltage form 13.8-kV to 138-kV. The average annual generation is approximately 114 gigawatt hours per year.

Construction of the project was largely and addition to the existing dam and reservoir, built between 1989 and 1992, with minor alterations to connect to the east tunnel. There has been little impact on the terrain and the plant does not affect water releases controlled by Alberta Environment.

The plant is operated remotely. Fisheries and Oceans Canada as well as Alberta Environment confirmed that the project would have no significant environmental effects.

Further Documents

Press Release
Tuesday, March 6, 2001

Capacity

32 megawatts

Equipment

2 horizontal axis Francis Turbines, supplied by VA Tech Bouvier Canada with GE generators.
Water head of 25-70 metres
6.6-km 138-kV transmission line to Pincher Creek substation
Step-up substation to increase voltage from 13.8-kV to 138-kV

Highlights

Long-term Use of Works Agreement with Alberta Environment.
Alberta Environment controls water levels and flows.
Electricity sold into the Power Pool of Alberta.

Commissioned

June 2003

Ownership

ATCO 75% *
Piikani Nation - 25%

*ATCO Ownership in this plant is held 80% by ATCO Power Ltd. and 20% by ATCO Resources Ltd.