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Simple Cycle Gas Turbines at the Ermine Switching Station

In order to meet Saskatchewan’s electrical supply needs by 2010, SaskPower is installing two Simple Cycle Gas Turbines (SCGTs) at the Ermine Switching Station, which is about 8.5 km southeast of Kerrobert. These GE Energy turbines will generate 94 megawatts (MW) of electricity for the SaskPower grid. The project is expected to be operational by 2010, at an estimated cost of $150 million.

What are simple-cycle natural gas turbines? And, what’s the difference between simple cycle and combined cycle natural gas turbines?

Both simple cycle and combined cycle turbines operate by burning natural gas.

With SCGTs, hot gasses produced during the combustion process turn the turbine and generate electricity. This type of electricity generation is typically favoured for meeting peak loads, as the turbines can be turned on and off quite quickly. This allows us to quickly and cost-effectively meet demand for electricity at peak times – such as hotter periods in the summer, or colder periods in the winter.

A combined cycle configuration consists of one or more gas and steam turbines. An example of a combined cycle plant is the Queen Elizabeth Power Station in Saskatoon. Combined cycle plants are typically larger, base-load units and are quite a bit more costly and take longer to build.

Advantages of simple cycle natural gas turbines include:

• SCGTs produce up to 50 per cent less carbon dioxide (CO2) per megawatt hour than conventional coal-fired generation.
• SaskPower will offset the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the operation of these turbines through a carbon credit system. At this time, the system has not yet been established in Saskatchewan.
• SCGTs will enable the integration of additional wind power into the electricity system.
• Unlike larger base-load units, which areunits that are in operation at all times, these turbines can be turned on and off as needed and can be put into operation quickly during peak times when electricity demand is greatest.
• At a capital cost of approximately $150 million, these two SCGTs are a relatively low capital cost option.
• SCGTs are relatively easy to install, minimizing construction costs, and can be installed within the required time frame.
• SCGTs are flexible with respect to location, helping to reduce the need for new transmission lines. The turbines will be installed in areas where electricity is most needed.
• Emissions of sulphur dioxide (SOx), particulates and mercury are near-zero. With modern control strategies, the nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions will also be reduced.

Why the Ermine site?

Ermine is the preferred location for these units, as this area of the province is experiencing an increasing demand for electricity which is mostly due to growth in the oilfield sector. It is also close to an existing switching station, which will reduce the need for new power lines and lower project costs. Other reasons for the site selection include:

• Provides voltage support in the Ermine area.
• Decreases line losses on the transmission system.
• Serves as transmission back-up for forced outages of transmission lines.
• Defers construction of transmission lines into Ermine.

Approvals -The Saskatchewan Environmental Assessment and Review process

SaskPower will submit an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to Saskatchewan Environment as required under the Environmental Assessment Act. The Environmental Impact Assessment will be conducted in conformance with Project Specific Guidelines prepared by Saskatchewan Environment.

SaskPower began the process of public consultation by meeting with local town and rural municipality officials in January 2008.

A public open house meeting was then held In Kerrobert on January 23, 2008. This meeting provided an opportunity for affected stakeholders to learn more about the project and provide comments to the project team. This valuable input will be reviewed as the Environmental Impact Statement is prepared.

Once SaskPower has submitted an Environmental Impact Statement for this project to Saskatchewan Environment, the document and its technical review comments will be made available publicly for review.

Full environmental approvals are anticipated by August 2008.

Tentative Project Schedule

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