Hydroelectric development

Modernizing our hydro assets

Ontario Power Generation's (OPG's) 66 hydroelectric power plants on 24 river systems are controlled by 240 dams. One of the benefits of hydropower is that it is a long-lasting, renewable resource. Many of our hydroelectric stations have been operating for the better part of a century.

To continue to generate renewable, low-carbon, and low-cost power at these sites, OPG is investing in upgrading and optimizing its existing hydroelectric assets to meet emerging demand as the province continues to electrify. Redevelopment and optimization opportunities include station refurbishments to modernize facility infrastructure, improve existing generating capacity, uncover additional efficiencies, and, in some cases, redevelop an entire site.

Keeping power affordable

Optimizing our hydroelectric sites takes advantage of existing water management practices and infrastructure to deliver environmental and cost benefits.

An aerial view of Whitedog Falls hydroelectric station.

New hydro development opportunities

In consultation with Indigenous communities, OPG is exploring building new hydroelectric stations in Ontario’s north.

Projects in planning

After more than 100 years of generating clean power for the province, Coniston GS has reached the end of its operating life. This proposed redevelopment project – located on the Wanapitei River in the City of Greater Sudbury – involves redeveloping the two-unit station to increase its capacity up to six megawatts. This project will increase the amount of clean power available for Ontario and help reduce carbon emissions across the province.

This proposed redevelopment project will extend the operating life of Stinson GS – a two-unit station located upstream from Coniston GS on the Wanapitei River in the City of Greater Sudbury. New generating equipment will utilize available river flows more efficiently, increase the availability of clean power, and extend the station’s operating life by approximately 40 years.

This proposed project will extend the operating life of Kakabeka Falls GS – a four-unit station on the Kaministiquia River near Thunder Bay. Proposed upgrades will help the station optimize power generation with an increased output of up to 27 megawatts. Upgrades would ensure the station continues generating reliable electricity for another 90 years, while also improving public safety and using available water flows more efficiently.

After nearly 100 years of operation, Bingham Chute GS – a two-unit station on the South River near North Bay – is approaching the end of its operating life. Proposed upgrades would enhance the performance of the station’s equipment, and potentially double the station’s average yearly output of clean, renewable power for Ontario.

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