Calgary, Alta. – ENMAX is proud to celebrate 10 years of Shepard Energy Centre, Alberta’s largest natural gas-fueled electricity generation facility. Shepard came online in 2015 and has the capacity to provide 860 megawatts of reliable power – enough to support nearly half of Calgary’s electricity demand.

“Shepard Energy Centre has played a vital role in delivering efficient, reliable, electricity to Albertans for the past decade,” said Erica Young, Executive Vice President, ENMAX Energy. “As Alberta’s energy landscape evolves, Shepard remains a cornerstone of grid stability.”

Shepard Energy Centre utilizes combined cycle natural gas technology, which increases efficiency and lowers emissions compared to conventional generation. Shepard Energy Centre is one of the most efficient natural gas-fuelled combined-cycle generation facilities operating in Canada today, as measured by tonnes of CO2e per megawatt hour (MWh). The facility also integrates reclaimed water from Calgary’s Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant, reducing reliance on potable water sources. 

Shepard uses 100 per cent reclaimed water under normal operating conditions for all its power generation needs, preventing nearly six million cubic meters of water from being withdrawn from the Bow River every year. Additionally, through research observation and innovative lab testing we have found ways to further optimize water use at this facility, reaching optimal operating efficiency of the cooling towers reducing the plant’s annual wastewater volume by 25 to 29 percent or up to 500,000 cubic meters of wastewater each year.

Capital Power owns a 50 per cent interest in the Shepard Energy Centre through a joint venture agreement with ENMAX as the facility operator. This partnership ensures that Shepard continues to play a critical role in delivering stable and efficient power to Alberta’s electricity grid.

“Shepard’s success is a testament to our commitment to innovation and sustainability,” added Young. “As we look ahead, we remain focused on ensuring Albertans continue to receive safe, reliable, and affordable electricity.”