From Sir Adam Beck to Calabogie, OPG’s Tony Palma relishes in leading clean energy projects

He has been involved with clean hydro projects for OPG ever since.

Some of his most memorable projects include constructing the Northwest Region Headquarters in Thunder Bay, leading the penstock replacement at DeCew I Generating Station (GS) in St. Catharines, and assessing and planning for the future refurbishment of the historic Sir Adam Beck Power Canal, which supplies 26 per cent of the water sent to OPG’s Sir Adam Beck hydro stations.

Another project that was close to his heart was the four-year restoration of the powerhouse and screenhouse at Sir Adam Beck I GS, which started in 2008 and wrapped up in 2011. Palma and his team executed a major facelift for the station, which is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year.

“We struck a balance of preserving the architectural heritage of Beck I while revitalizing it at the same time,” Palma said proudly. New lighting was also installed to enhance the screenhouse’s appearance at night and new pollinator-friendly plants were added.

Today, Palma and his enthusiastic team are keeping busy leading the redevelopment of the Calabogie hydroelectric station in eastern Ontario.

That project, which is targeted to be in service by year end, is replacing a century-old powerhouse damaged by a tornado in 2018 with a new, more efficient station that will double Calabogie’s clean energy capacity.

Looking back on his career, he is struck by how much has changed from when he first started. Back then, all he had for administrative tools was a landline phone, speedy memos, and a fax machine.

“Today’s instantaneous technology makes things much simpler, quicker, but also more demanding as turnaround times become tighter,” said Palma.

Then there is how much OPG has changed as a company.

“We’re a lot leaner than ever and paving the way in a much more exciting world,” he said. “OPG is constantly setting the bar high and not taking a back seat to anyone. Whether it’s hydro development, Indigenous Reconciliation, climate change, or small modular reactors, we are walking the talk.”

“It’s also great to see OPG building and promoting diversity, including leading the way in opportunities for young women in leadership positions,” added Palma, who has a daughter currently studying engineering.

While a lot has changed, the project manager falls back to tried and true principles when it comes to striving for project success. That includes being open and transparent with all stakeholders and rights-holders from day one, “regardless if the news is good or not-so-good.” He also believes in building a winning team by creating a positive and healthy work environment.

“My experience has taught me that having the right people is the key behind any successful project. And to build a great team, you need to create good chemistry and camaraderie. My advice to every person is ‘be the attitude you want to be around,’ and things will fall into place.”