Technology enthusiasts and representatives from around the world were present at the Shand Power Station in Estevan to celebrate the official opening of one of the largest carbon capture test facilities (CCTF) in the world.
The facility, built in partnership with Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd., is a high-tech laboratory that uses a small amount of exhaust (flue) gas from the neighbouring Shand Power Station. It allows researchers to test equipment, chemical innovation or engineering designs in a highly controlled enviornment.
"This facility is the first of its kind on the planet," said Premier Brad Wall in a video message that was presented to guests at the opening СÀ¶ÊÓƵ on June 18.
Misubishi is currently the only company that's leasing the facility for their own uses, but Mike Monea, president of carbon capture and storage initiatives, said he's confident more will come.
"This plant will attract vendors, because they really need to see the plant up and running before the commit to a test period," Monea said to reporters after the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ, adding SaskPower could potentially do the testing themsleves, on behalf of other companies, sometime in the future.
Mitsubishi will continue testing their equipment at the CCTF over a 14-month period, which began back in April.
The $70 million test facility has a lifespan of about seven to 10 years, according to Kevin Beck, construction supervisor for SaskPower.
Check out next week's issue of the Mercury for more in depth coverage of the test facility.
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Ribbon cutting СÀ¶ÊÓƵ for Shand's CCS plant almost underway.
— Alex Coop (@ItsJustAlexCoop)
Here we go.
— Alex Coop (@ItsJustAlexCoop)
Shand
— Alex Coop (@ItsJustAlexCoop)
About to enter the main CCS facility at Shand.
— Alex Coop (@ItsJustAlexCoop)
"The brains of the plant" according to construction manager Kevin Beck who is giving the tour.
— Alex Coop (@ItsJustAlexCoop)
This room is actually really quiet.
— Alex Coop (@ItsJustAlexCoop)
Final discharge leaves the facility here.
— Alex Coop (@ItsJustAlexCoop)
SaskPower CEO Mike Marsh with opening remarks
— Alex Coop (@ItsJustAlexCoop)
A video message from Brad Wall
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"The world will rely on fossil fuels for a long time." - Brad Wall
— Alex Coop (@ItsJustAlexCoop)
Mr. Yauso Fujitani, sr exec vice prez of Mitsubishi says the test facility is a good place to test new technology
— Alex Coop (@ItsJustAlexCoop)