Ontario Power Generation
Hydroelectric Power
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MEGAWATTS of Hydro Energy |
Hydroelectric power is a timeless, renewable resource that fuelled Ontario's economic growth in the first half of the twentieth century and today accounts for almost one third of Ontario Power Generation's electricity production. Hydroelectric generation, our lowest-cost power source, produced approximately 32 terawatt-hours in 2007.
The historic importance and future potential of hydroelectric power can be attributed to its low production costs, reliability, flexibility to meet both ongoing base electricity needs and peak demands, and its reliance on water - an indigenous, renewable resource.
OPG operates 35 hydroelectric stations, a green power portfolio of 29 small hydroelectric plants, and over 240 dams on 25 river systems. The smallest station has a generating capacity of just one megawatt (MW); the largest more than 1,400 MW.
Because the water we depend on is shared by many users, Ontario Power Generation maintains strong partnerships with governments, local industry, environmental groups, recreational users and other community stakeholders. Our primary partnerships focus on:
Watershed Management: balancing energy production requirements with environmental, commercial and recreational needs within a watershed
Community Connections: nurturing strong relationships with users of the watersheds on which our facilities are located
Hydroelectric Upgrades
Watch this video on upgrades made to OPG's hydroelectric stations.
The Niagara Tunnel
Learn more about the new Niagara Tunnel Project.
Water Safety
Learn more about safety around dams and hydroelectric stations.