The Ontario government has committed a significant $2 billion investment into Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) ambitious plan to refurbish and expand several hydroelectric generating stations across northern Ontario. This crucial investment aims to enhance Ontario’s clean energy capacity, ensuring a steady and reliable electricity supply for residents in the region.

The refurbishment project will add up to 830 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity generation, enough to power approximately 830,000 homes annually. OPG, in partnership with Andritz Hydropower Canada, will carry out extensive work across multiple stations, including Otter Rapids, Kipling, Aguasabon, Abitibi Canyon, Manitou Falls, Cameron Falls, Ear Falls, and Alexander. These stations are spread across northern Ontario and have been critical in the province’s energy supply for many years.

The refurbishment will involve significant upgrades and rehabilitation of existing generating equipment, ensuring that each station continues to perform efficiently. The investment will lead to the generation of an additional 40 MW of clean electricity each year once the upgrades are complete. This boost will power over 40,000 additional homes, providing residents with more reliable and sustainable energy options.

This comprehensive overhaul is planned over the next 10 years, ensuring that these stations are capable of meeting future energy demands while supporting Ontario’s commitment to clean energy. In addition to this $2 billion investment, OPG and the provincial government are also committing a total of $4.6 billion across other areas, including the Niagara Region, Cornwall, and Eastern Ontario, to further enhance the capacity and reliability of existing hydroelectric stations.

Ultimately, these efforts will help secure more than 5,000 MW of clean, renewable electricity, bolstering Ontario’s energy grid and supporting the province’s commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.