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OPG’s Niagara hydropower stations deliver highest energy output in over 40 years

OPG’s Niagara hydropower stations deliver highest energy output in over 40 years

Ontario Power Generation said it was a banner year for the company’s Niagara Operations, with 2023 delivering the highest energy production in over 40 years: 13.2 TWh.

The company’s hydroelectric generating fleet in the area includes the Sir Adam Beck complex, and this was an increase of 0.5 TWh from the previous year and the region’s highest output since 1982.

“This accomplishment demonstrates the dedication of our Renewable Generation team in Niagara and the important role our hydro stations play in grid reliability,” said Nicholas Pender, OPG’s vice president of regional operations in Niagara. “During a time when baseload generation is reduced due to ongoing nuclear outages and the refurbishments at Darlington and Bruce Power, Niagara’s ability to generate more power has helped reduce overall system costs and lower emissions.”

OPG’s Niagara Operations encompass five hydro generating stations (GS), including the Sir Adam Beck I and II GS, Sir Adam Beck Pump GS, and DeCew I and II GS. Each year, these plants meet about 10% of Ontario’s energy needs.

Niagara’s strong performance in 2023 was driven by a collective push to continually get better, OPG said. Teams across the region worked to decrease maintenance outages, which improved hydro availability, unit utilization and overall generation across the board.

The successful overhauls of the Sir Adam Beck I GS G1 and G2 units, which were returned to service in 2022, also led to increased generating output. The two new modern units add about 125 MW of incremental generating capacity to the historic station.

DeCew I GS has been in service for more than 125 years, making it the oldest plant in OPG’s fleet, and Sir Adam Beck I GS celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022.