The Government of Ontario announced it is supporting Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) plan to refurbish and expand hydroelectric generating stations across Northern Ontario. The $2 billion investment will secure up to 830 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity generation.
“Hydroelectric generating stations across Northern Ontario have been providing the province with clean electricity for over a century, and with today’s investment, we’re extending the life of these stations for decades more to help Ontario meet its growing electricity needs,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “This investment and expansion will employ more than 1,000 highly skilled workers across the north who will help deliver the affordable power families and businesses need now and into the future.”
According to Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator, electricity demand in Northern Ontario is forecast to increase by 81 per cent by 2050. To ensure we can meet this demand, OPG and its partner, Andritz Hydropower Canada, will refurbish and expand stations across Northern Ontario including: Otter Rapids, Kipling, Aguasabon, Abitibi Canyon, Manitou Falls, Cameron Falls, Ear Falls and Alexander.
The work includes major rehabilitation of existing generating equipment that will maintain reliable and efficient operations and increase production. Once completed, the stations are expected to produce up to 40 MW of additional clean electricity each year, equivalent to powering over 40,000 more homes.
“Thunder Bay and our province are growing quickly, and we will need more power to support new homes, new investments and new infrastructure,” said Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay—Atikokan. “I’m proud to be working with Premier Ford, Minister Lecce and Ontario Power Generation to advance these major investments in clean energy that are going to support good-paying jobs across Northern Ontario.”
The work at these stations will take place over the next 10 years and create more than 1,000 highly skilled, good paying jobs across Northern Ontario. Across its entire fleet, the province and Ontario Power Generation are investing a total of $4.6 billion in Northern Ontario, Niagara Region, Cornwall and Eastern Ontario to refurbish and expand existing stations, to secure more than 5,000 MW of clean electricity and support 1,900 good paying jobs.
“Many of the hydroelectric facilities OPG is refurbishing today were developed as a result of visionary thinking a century or more ago,” said Nick Pender, OPG senior vice president – Renewable Generation. “Through investments like this, OPG and the Province are securing low-carbon, reliable electricity generation that Ontarians will need for generations to come.”
Featured image: Otter Rapids Generating Station. (OPG)