A proposed 460-megawatt power plant in the extreme northeast corner of Clearwater County has been approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission.
The Flipi Gas-Fired Generation Project calls for a natural gas-fired combustion turbine, one steam turbine and one generator in a single-shaft configuration, with a total generating capacity of 460 megawatts.
Once completed, the plant could generate enough electricity to power up to 400,000 homes.
The site is located in the southwest quarter of Section 33, about 18 kilometres southwest of Rimbey, near the boundary of Lacombe, Clearwater and Ponoka counties.
In response to public feedback gathered during consultations in 2024 and 2025, the approval requires TransAlta to assess the feasibility of constructing a berm to reduce visual impacts for nearby residents.
Before operations begin, the company must also assess potential lighting and noise impacts and submit its findings to the AUC.
The approval also requires TransAlta to implement a comprehensive clubroot mitigation plan, including ensuring all equipment is cleaned and free of excess mud and soil before arriving on site.
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A reclamation plan must also be submitted to the AUC for review and approval.
The final plan must include a third-party report estimating reclamation costs and the minimum salvage value of plant components should the owner or operator default.
A separate approved application also calls for three 240-kilovolt circuit breakers to be installed within a secure fenced enclosure.
Construction of the power plant could be completed as early as Nov. 30, 2030.
TransAlta takes over
The application for the plant was initially filed by Kiwetinohk Energy Corp. before TransAlta acquired the project and notified the AUC that it had acquired all underlying interests in the project.
A 2024 emailed statement from Kiwetinohk said the project could provide significant tax revenue for Clearwater County, create well-paying jobs and potentially attract data centres to the area.
The company also identified the site as ideal because of its proximity to sweet natural gas supplies, major roads and a supportive landowner.
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