Ontario Power Generation (OPG) announced it is planning to invest $1 billion over the next 20 years to refurbish 45 generating units at eight hydro stations in eastern Ontario.
For decades, OPG’s hydroelectric workhorses in eastern Ontario have tirelessly supported Ontario – from its post-war boom period to the present day.
Now, to secure decades more clean, reliable power for a growing and electrifying future, the company is preparing to refurbish its fleet of eight hydro stations in the Ottawa Valley.
The $1-billion investment over the next 20 years will see 45 generating units in total refurbished, securing 1,617 megawatts (MW) of generating capacity – enough to power about 1.6 million homes – while creating more than 500 highly skilled jobs in the area.
The stations set to be refurbished include OPG’s 429 MW Des Joachims and 144 MW Chenaux facilities, both located on the Ottawa River and both placed into service in 1950 as part of Ontario’s great hydro expansion following the Second World War.
Across Ontario, OPG owns and operates 66 hydro stations and 239 dams on 24 river systems. In 2023, their collective output made up about 39 per cent of OPG’s total electricity generation. Overall, hydro meets about 25 per cent of the province’s electricity needs each year.
The other plants set to be renewed are OPG’s Arnprior (82 MW), Barrett Chute (176 MW), Mountain Chute (170 MW), Stewartville (182 MW), Chats Falls (192 MW), and Otto Holden (243 MW) Generating Stations (GS).
Once complete, this fleet is expected to produce up to 100 gigawatt hours of additional clean power each year thanks to newer, more efficient equipment – equivalent to powering over 11,000 homes.
“Hydropower remains unmatched in its reliability, durability, and flexibility. With proper maintenance and upkeep, these assets can produce clean, low-cost power for generations,” said Heather Ferguson, OPG’s SVP of Business Development and Corporate Affairs. “Whether it’s Arnprior, Stewartville, or Chenaux, we’re proud of hydro’s lasting legacy in eastern Ontario. And we now look forward to writing the next chapter for these important stations.”
Across Ontario, OPG is making major investments to extend the life of its time-tested hydro assets.
In Cornwall, refurbishment work is continuing at the 1,045 MW R.H. Saunders GS, a $600-million investment that will refresh 16 generating units in total.
And in Niagara Falls, OPG is planning to refurbish up to five hydro plants, including the Sir Adam Beck I and II stations, to secure about 1,700 MW of clean power.
It’s all part of a wider turbine-generator refurbishment program that will result in the revitalization of 48 OPG hydro stations to extend station life, while also increasing efficiency and, in some cases, generating output.
Featured image: Des Joachims Generating Station. (OPG)
