Albertans want to ensure they have a reliable and flexible electricity system that's also designed for a future based on renewable sources. Provincial utility AltaLink is making that happen, after completing the Western Alberta Transmission Line (WATL) - part of a powerful backbone that enables the province to take full advantage of its abundant wind power.



A key attribute of WATL is the bidirectional flow of power. WATL can transmit energy north to south and also capture wind power in the south and send it northbound for distribution province-wide. Converter stations with high voltage direct current (HVDC) technology are located near Calgary and Edmonton. Direct current (DC) is more stable and up to 50 per cent more efficient than the standard alternating current (AC) transmission.



WATL has the potential to deliver an environmental benefit equivalent to taking tens of thousands of cars off Alberta roads.



Innovative Siemens technology helps make WATL possible. AltaLink and its customers can count on a greener energy future.