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Atikokan Generating Station



Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) Atikokan Generating Station (GS) is located near the Town of Atikokan in northwestern Ontario. It has one coal-fuelled generating unit that produces up to 211 megawatts (MW) of electricity, using low-sulphur lignite coal from Western Canada. In the past decade, annual electricity production has been as high as 1 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh), enough to supply about 83,000 homes for a year. More recently, due to economic downturn and emission regulations, Atikokan GS’s role has changed to providing reliability during peak demand times and back up electricity generation when other sources are not available. The plant currently employs about 90 people from the Atikokan area. Their skills and experience are essential to safe and reliable operation.

Atikokan GS Biomass Conversion Project

Looking to the future, OPG is moving ahead with planning and approvals for the conversion of Atikokan GS from coal to wood-fibre biomass. Biomass, in the form of wood pellets, is recognized around the world as a renewable source of energy with climate change benefits. OPG’s biomass program requires fuels to be from sustainable sources.

Major Milestone

In August 2010, the Minister of Energy directed the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) to negotiate a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with OPG for biomass-generated electricity from Atikokan GS. This was a major milestone for the Atikokan GS Biomass Conversion Project. The outcome of the negotiation will be part of the business case to repower Atikokan GS.

OPG is evaluating proposals for fuel supply and plant modifications, and working towards a Power Purchase Agreement and environmental approvals.