TransAlta's sundance plant pioneers the company's plunge into automation

By delaying a plantwide wireless network and sensors, plus a condition-based monitoring system, and extending the reach of its work management system, the huge but aging coal-fired Sundance power plant in Alberta has already saved more than $10 million. The facelift has lowered the cost and raised the productivity of operations, maintenance, and even warehouse inventory control. For having the vision and endurance to plan and execute a project that involved risking a bundle on emerging technologies, TransAlta's Sundance power plant is the well-deserved winner of Power magazine's 2005 Marmaduke Award for excellence in O & M. 5 photos., 2 tabs.