Province Investing in Hydroelectric Energy in Eastern Ontario
July 8, 2024
Refurbishments will create 500 good-paying jobs and provide reliable, affordable and clean energy to power growth
The Ontario government is expanding and refurbishing clean electricity generation by announcing support for Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) approximately $1 billion investment to refurbish eight hydroelectric generating stations in Eastern Ontario. This infrastructure program would secure 1,617 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity generation, equivalent to powering 1.6 million homes, helping to meet increasing demand from electrification and fueling the province’s growth.
“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.”
Through this investment OPG will refurbish 45 units at eight generating stations: the Arnprior, Barrett Chute, Mountain Chute, Stewartville, Chats Falls, Chenaux, Des Joachims, and Otto Holden stations. The work includes major rehabilitation of generating equipment to increase production. Once completed, the stations are expected to produce up to 100 gigawatt hours of additional clean electricity each year, equivalent to powering over 11,000 homes.
The work will create more than 500 highly skilled and well-paid jobs across Eastern Ontario. 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, SVP of Business Development and Corporate Affairs at Ontario Power Generation. “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 critical investment in our people and communities will bring good-paying jobs to the Ottawa region while ensuring the hydro stations’ legacy of supplying clean power for another 30 years,” said Goldie Ghamari, MPP Carleton. “These refurbishments will help secure clean, green power we need to fuel our growing economy and support the hardworking families of this region.”
This investment in Ontario’s hydroelectric fleet is just one part of Powering Ontario’s Growth, the government’s pragmatic plan 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, including:
- Nuclear Energy – Advancing reliable, affordable and clean nuclear power through pre-development work for new large-scale nuclear at the Bruce Power site, planning and licensing for four small modular reactors at Darlington and supporting OPG’s plan to proceed with next steps toward refurbishing the Pickering Nuclear Generation Station.
- Competitive Procurements – Acquiring 4,000 MW of electricity generation and storage and planning more competitive procurements for electricity resources.
- New Transmission Infrastructure – Designating and prioritizing transmission lines in Southwestern, Northeastern and Eastern Ontario that will power job creators including EV and EV battery manufacturing and clean steel production.
- Keeping Costs Down – Launching new energy efficiency programs on January 1, 2025, building on the government’s $342 million expansion of existing energy efficiency programs which are helping families and businesses reduce their electricity use so they can save money on their energy bills.
Quick Facts
- Ontario’s grid is one of the cleanest in the world with a diverse supply mix made up of nuclear, hydroelectric, natural gas, wind, solar and bioenergy.
- The Arnprior, Barrett Chute, Mountain Chute, and Stewartville generating stations are located on the Madawaska River.
- The Chats Falls, Chenaux, Des Joachims and Otto Holden generating stations are located on the Ottawa River.
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