Environmental

How hydropower helped OPG respond to highest electricity demand since 2013

How hydropower helped OPG respond to highest electricity demand since 2013

Canada’s Ontario Power Generation reported that electricity demand this summer hit its highest peak, outside of the pandemic, since 2013, and hydropower contributed to meeting this record demand.

From Sept. 4 to 6, temperatures in the province reached 40 degrees Celsius with the humidex (humidity index). This extreme weather — along with more people working from home, the return to school and shorter daylight hours — drove peak demand to 23,713 MW, the highest in 10 years.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario experienced a higher peak, as large industrial and commercial companies participating in the Industrial Conservation Initiative weren’t required to reduce their electricity usage during peak hours. This measure aimed to support the province’s economic recovery during COVID-19.

OPG said its diverse generating fleet provided more than 50% of the province’s electricity during this time. During the peak hour, the bulk of Ontario’s electricity was provided by nuclear generation at 41%, followed by natural gas at 31%, hydroelectric at 20%, imports at 4%, wind at 3% and solar at 1%.

“While Ontario’s electricity system navigates through tight market conditions and anticipated growth over the coming years, every megawatt counts, especially on extreme weather days like we experienced in the recent heat wave,” said Lindsey Arseneau-MacKinnon, OPG’s vice president of energy markets. “As Ontario’s largest generator, OPG plays a critical role in meeting provincial demand. The Independent Electricity System Operator relies on us for our strong operating capabilities and flexibility to respond to changing market conditions.”

In the coming years, electricity demand is expected to rise. OPG and its subsidiaries are preparing by advancing new nuclear in the form of small modular reactors, refurbishing its nuclear operations, investing in its hydroelectric operations, and progressing other new clean energy technologies, such as battery storage and low-carbon hydrogen.

To meet the peak demand earlier this month, OPG’s hydroelectric fleet demonstrated its value by generating 4,435 MW. The fleet also time-shifted generation to meet the increased demand, which means storing water overnight when demand is low and generating more electricity during the day when demand is high.

OPG owns and operates a fleet of 66 hydroelectric generating stations.