Rehabilitation and Repair

Ontario government supporting OPG’s refurbishment of eight hydroelectric stations

Ontario government supporting OPG’s refurbishment of eight hydroelectric stations
(photo courtesy OPG)

The government of Ontario, Canada, has announced support for Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) about $1 billion investment to refurbish eight hydroelectric generating stations in eastern Ontario.

This infrastructure program would secure 1,617 MW of clean electricity generation, helping to meet increasing demand from electrification and fueling the province’s growth.

OPG will refurbish 45 units at eight generating stations: Arnprior, Barrett Chute, Mountain Chute and Stewartville on the Madawaska River and Chats Falls, Chenaux, Des Joachims and Otto Holden on the Ottawa River. The work includes major rehabilitation of generating equipment to increase production. Once completed, the stations are expected to produce up to 100 GWh of additional clean electricity each year.

“Hydroelectric generating stations in Eastern Ontario have been providing the province with clean electricity for a century, and with today’s investment, we’re extending the life of these eight stations for decades more to help Ontario meet its growing electricity needs,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “This investment and expansion – part of our Powering Ontario’s Growth plan – will create 500 new good-paying jobs and ensure families in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario have access to affordable power now and into the future. Our government will continue to support affordable energy expansion, while continuing to oppose the regressive federal carbon tax.”

Along with OPG’s recent investment of more than $600 million to refurbish the R.H. Saunders Generating Station, Ontario is investing close to $1.6 billion in Eastern Ontario hydroelectricity refurbishments to secure up to 2,673 MW of clean electricity.

“The beauty of renewable hydro power is its durability and flexibility. It also plays a valuable role ensuring grid reliability,” said Heather Ferguson, senior vice president of business development and corporate affairs at OPG. “This significant investment will enhance efficiencies, create hundreds of skilled jobs in Eastern Ontario, and ensure our stations meet energy demands for decades to come.”

This investment in Ontario’s hydroelectric fleet is just one part of Powering Ontario’s Growth, which outlines the actions the province is taking, subject to receiving all necessary approvals, to meet growing energy demand and reduce emissions by expanding Ontario’s reliable, affordable and clean grid.

Ontario’s grid has a diverse supply mix made up of nuclear, hydroelectric, natural gas, wind, solar and bioenergy.