The Brighton Beach Generating Station (BBGS) is a natural gas-fired combined cycle power plant located in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. With a capacity of 580 MW, it is the largest facility of its type in the country, playing a crucial role in Ontario’s energy production.
The Anatomy of the Brighton Beach Generating Station
The BBGS is a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant, which means it utilizes both gas turbines and a steam turbine to generate electricity. The plant consists of two General Electric 7F.04 gas turbines, each with a nameplate capacity of 175 MW, and one General Electric D11 steam turbine with a nameplate capacity of 230 MW.
The natural gas used to fuel the plant is procured from Coral Energy Resources, L.P., and the power generated is sold to Shell Energy North America (Canada) under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
Powering Ontario’s Energy Needs
The BBGS plays a significant role in meeting Ontario’s energy demands. With its 580 MW capacity, the plant is the largest of its kind in Canada, contributing a substantial amount of electricity to the province’s grid.
The plant’s strategic location in Windsor, Ontario, allows it to serve the energy needs of the surrounding region, including the city of Windsor and the broader southwestern Ontario area.
Efficiency Upgrades: Enhancing the BBGS
In 2023, Atura Power, the owner of the BBGS, announced plans to upgrade the facility. These upgrades are aimed at increasing the plant’s generating capacity by an average of 42.5 MW, from 570 MW to 612.5 MW (based on a winter contract capacity).
The efficiency upgrades will involve replacing parts of the existing natural gas-fired combustion turbines during a scheduled maintenance period. These improvements will be carried out within the existing BBGS footprint, without any changes or expansion to the facility.
Environmental Considerations
The BBGS upgrade project is subject to the Environmental Screening Process for Electricity Projects, as required by Ontario Regulation 116/01 under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. This process ensures that the environmental impacts of the upgrades are thoroughly assessed and mitigated.
A Notice of Commencement of a Screening and Invitation to a Virtual Public Meeting was issued on July 26, 2023, to engage the public and stakeholders in the environmental review process.
The BBGS: A Cornerstone of Ontario’s Energy Future
The Brighton Beach Generating Station is a crucial component of Ontario’s energy infrastructure, providing a reliable and efficient source of electricity to the province. Its strategic location, combined with its impressive capacity and ongoing upgrades, make the BBGS a powerhouse in the region’s energy landscape.
As Ontario continues to navigate the evolving energy landscape, the BBGS will undoubtedly play a vital role in meeting the province’s growing energy demands while prioritizing environmental sustainability.
Key Facts about the Brighton Beach Generating Station
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Windsor, Ontario, Canada |
| Capacity | 580 MW |
| Fuel Source | Natural Gas |
| Turbines | 2 x General Electric 7F.04 gas turbines (175 MW each), 1 x General Electric D11 steam turbine (230 MW) |
| Ownership | 100% owned by Ontario Power Generation |
| Commissioning Year | 2004 |
| Power Purchase Agreement | 20 years with Shell Energy North America (Canada) |
| Upcoming Upgrades | Increase in generating capacity by an average of 42.5 MW |