The Ontario government has thrown its support behind Ontario Power Generation's (OPG) initiative to refurbish its hydroelectric stations in the Niagara region, including the iconic Sir Adam Beck Complex at Niagara Falls. With an investment of CAN$1 billion, the infrastructure program aims to secure up to 1700 MW of clean electricity, sufficient to power 1.7 million homes and cater to the province's escalating demand driven by electrification and economic expansion.
Minister of Energy Todd Smith highlighted the significance of the investment, stating, “For more than 100 years, hydroelectric power from Niagara Falls has powered our province, and with today's investment we're extending the life of these stations by another 30 years to help Ontario meet its growing electricity needs.”
The refurbishment program, integral to the Powering Ontario's Growth Plan, is expected to generate employment opportunities and bolster the province's energy resilience to support future investments and industrial growth.
OPG, in collaboration with partner GE Vernova, is set to refurbish up to 25 units at the Sir Adam Beck Complex in the initial phase commencing in 2025, potentially increasing the station's capacity by up to 50 MW. Additionally, OPG is developing plans for its DeCew I and DeCew II generating stations in the region.
Ken Hartwick, OPG President and CEO, underscored the importance of upgrading renewable energy infrastructure to meet evolving demands, stating, “Upgrading and optimizing OPG's renewable generation workhorses like the Sir Adam Beck complex is crucial to support the growing demands of electrification and a thriving economy.”
Over the course of the next 15 years, the refurbishment efforts at the Sir Adam Beck complex are projected to create over 200 skilled jobs in the Niagara region, contributing to local economic development.
Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Andrea Khanjin emphasized the investment's role in maintaining cost-effective and reliable energy sources for Ontario's families, ensuring a future of clean and affordable power for generations to come.
Frederic Ribieras, CEO of GE Vernova's Hydro Power business, expressed optimism about the collaboration's potential to advance the energy transition, stating, “This agreement builds on a century-long relationship between GE Vernova and OPG to advance the energy transition in Ontario and in Canada.”
