Final Step for Conversion at Atikokan Mine

Let the conversion begin, well almost.
The Atikokan Generating Station has signed a power purchase agreement with the Ontario Power Authority.
This is the last step needed before the plant can be converted to using biomass.
The announcement was made today by Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro and Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown.
The conversion of coal to biomass will begin this fall and is expected to be finished by 2014.
Mayor Dennis Brown says the agreement provides their community with reassurance that the plant will be around in the future.
Brown says it’s like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders.
He stresses it provides certainty for Atikokan residents and businesses.
Mauro says between 100 to 200 jobs could be created in the development of the region’s biomass industry.
Mauro adds there will also be 200 construction jobs created for a year and a half in the $200-million conversion.