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Atikokan Generating Station
Biomass Conversion Project



Atikokan Generating Station (GS) is located in the Town of Atikokan in northwestern Ontario. Built in 1985, Atikokan GS has one coal-fuelled electricity generating unit that produces electricity, using low-sulphur lignite coal from Western Canada. Average annual electricity production from 2008-2010 was enough to supply about 24,000 homes each year. Atikokan GS currently employs about 90 people, contributes more than $2.5 million to the community in municipal taxes and support for community organizations and is certified to ISO 14001 environmental management standard and by the Wildlife Habitat Council.

OPG is Phasing Out Coal

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is phasing out the use of coal to produce electricity by the end of 2014. OPG has been exploring options to convert some of its coal-fuelled electricity generating stations to natural gas and/or forest or agriculture-based biomass. Conversion of these stations allows for continued use of existing facilities owned by the people of Ontario, costs less than building new stations, reduces greenhouse gas emissions considerably, provides flexible back up for intermittent renewable electricity sources, like wind and solar, and maintains employment and economic benefits in the station communities. Atikokan GS will be the first OPG coal plant to be converted to biomass fuel.



Atikokan Biomass Conversion Project

OPG has tested biomass at Atikokan GS and determined that it can replace coal as a fuel for Atikokan GS. In addition to advantages outlined above, electricity produced using biomass at Atikokan GS will provide back up for OPG’s hydroelectric generation in northern Ontario in low-water years, ensure electricity supply for future industrial and employment growth in northwestern Ontario and stimulate Ontario’s forestry sector.

OPG has chosen wood-pellet biomass as the preferred fuel because the energy content is very similar to the lignite coal that Atikokan GS was designed to burn and much of the existing equipment can be adapted. Some modifications to the furnace will be required, along with a new fuel handling and storage system. OPG will buy wood-pellet biomass fuel through a competitive process and will require that the wood-fibre is sourced from sustainably managed forests. Annual fuel consumption and electricity production will depend on the power purchase agreement from the Ontario Power Authority and on electricity demand. OPG is also supporting research into the sustainability and climate change benefits of biomass for electricity production in Ontario.

The project must comply with all provincial standards and regulations and will require environmental approvals and a solid business case approved by OPG’s Board of Directors.

Major Project Milestones

In August 2010, Ontario’s Minister of Energy directed the Ontario Power Authority to negotiate a Power Purchase Agreement with OPG for biomass-generated electricity from Atikokan GS. This was a key milestone for the Atikokan GS Biomass Conversion Project as it means that there will be a market for the power produced.

Ontario’s Long-Term Energy Plan, announced by the Minister of Energy in November 2010, affirms OPG’s strategy to move ahead with planning and approvals for repowering Atikokan GS to wood-fibre biomass in 2013.

OPG concepts for conversion of its other coal stations’ generating units will make provision for future biomass options. Biomass could will have a role to play in the management of greenhouse gas emissions and expansion of renewable energy. Being able to use biomass will be an advantage in the years ahead.

Atikokan GS Proposed Fuel Handling and Storage System


Click on the image to enlarge.