Canadian firm Turning Point Generation (TPG) has announced it is moving ahead with plans to build its first pumped storage project in Alberta.

Canadian firm Turning Point Generation (TPG) has announced it is moving ahead with plans to build its first pumped storage project in Alberta.

With a design capacity between 80-150MW, the project is expected to be connected to the Alberta transmission system and would provide sufficient storage to generate about 8hrs at full capacity. It is the first of multiple sites identified for development by TPG.

“We are excited to be moving ahead on this project, the first in our portfolio of PHS projects in Alberta," commented Peter Bubik at TPG. "After an extensive strategic process to find and select favourable sites for pumped storage we are happy to be moving to the next phase of development for this site. This project is our most advanced, has exceptional inherent site characteristics and enjoys favourable reception from key stakeholders, including the First Nations involved. We believe the Alberta power market provides an economical basis for pumped storage at this time and the market indications are showing increasingly favorable economics for pumped storage in the future."

TPG said the strategic process to find and select pumped storage sites in Alberta was comprehensive and conclusive, and says it has assembled a portfolio of feasible sites.