Refurbishing the pump storage reservoir

Ontario Power Generation has refurbished the 750-acre reservoir used by the Sir Adam Beck Pump Generating Station, increasing its energy capacity and lifespan for future generations.

Creating emissions-free power

In April 2016, OPG’s 750-acre Beck reservoir underwent a $60-million refurbishment to extend its operating life for another 50 years. It was safely and successfully returned to service two months ahead of schedule and under budget.

Built in 1957, the 175-megawatt Sir Adam Beck Pump Generating Station (PGS) plays an important role in generating flexible emission-free power for Ontario and is the only facility of its kind in Canada.

Producing power for peak periods

The station uses electricity in off-peak periods to pump water into its huge reservoir, which can then be released to produce power when electricity demand is high.

Key PGS facts:

  • 680,000 litres of water per second.
  • That’s enough to fill 8,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools equals the same energy as one million car batteries.
  • Displaces up to 600 megawatts of fossil fuel generation for nearly eight hours.

Modified for future production

As part of the PGS’s life-extending renovation, impermeable plastic liners were installed in critical locations and grout was injected in 706 holes to seal the bedrock foundation of the reservoir dyke.

With the reservoir now bolstered, the PGS can continue to produce clean, renewable electricity safely and reliably for years to come.