The province is supporting Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) plan to refurbish and expand hydroelectric generating stations in northern Ontario.
They are providing $2 billion to help the project.
OPG is looking to secure up to 830 megawatts of clean electricity generation, equivalent to powering 830,000 homes, helping to meet increasing demand from electrification and fueling the province’s growth.
“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.
OPG and its partner, Andritz Hydropower Canada plan on refurbishing and expanding stations in:
- Otter Rapids
- Kipling
- Aguasabon
- Abitibi Canyon
- Manitou Falls
- Cameron Falls
- Ear Falls
- Alexander
The work will include the rehabilitation of existing generating equipment that will maintain reliable and efficient operations and increase production.
The stations are expected to produce up to 40 MW of additional clean electricity each year, equivalent to powering over 40,000 more homes.
The work at the stations is taking place over the next 10 years and the province estimates it will create more than 1,000 jobs.
