TransAlta declares dividend

  The Board of Directors of TransAlta Corporation (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC) today declared a quarterly dividend of $0.29 per share on common shares payable April 1, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business March 1, 2010.

All currency is expressed in Canadian dollars except where noted.

TransAlta is a power generation and wholesale marketing company focused on creating long-term shareholder value. TransAlta maintains a low-to-moderate risk profile by operating a highly contracted portfolio of assets in Canada, the United States and Australia. TransAlta's focus is to efficiently operate our biomass, geothermal, wind, hydro, natural gas and coal facilities in order to provide our customers with a reliable, low-cost source of power. For nearly 100 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud contributor to the communities where we work and live. TransAlta is recognized for its leadership on sustainability by the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index, the FTSE4Good Index and the Jantzi Social Index.

Contacts: TransAlta Corporation - Media Inquiries: Michael Lawrence Manager, External Relations [phone] [e-mail] TransAlta Corporation - Investor Inquiries: Jess Nieukerk Manager, Investor Relations [phone] or 1-800-387-3598 in Canada and U.S. [e-mail] www.transalta.com