The federal Government of Canada is planning to reach net-zero emissions by the year 2050. To that end, many provinces are investing heavily in green and clean forms of electricity generation, with Ontario currently being a prime example, particularly as far as hydroelectric energy is concerned.
The province of Ontario just announced that it is investing $1 billion to refurbish a number of hydro generating stations in Eastern Ontario. Ontario Power Generation or OPG for short, will receive $1 billion to renovate eight hydroelectric plants in the province.
The refurbishments are meant to increase the clean power generating capabilities of these hydroelectric stations. Once completed, these newly refurbished stations will be able to produce an additional 100-gigawatt hours of clean electricity every year, thus powering an additional 11,000 homes.
Once the hydroelectric plant refurbishments are completed, the new infrastructure will be able to power roughly 1.6 million homes in total, equivalent to 1,617 megawatts of clean power. Not only is this project set to increase the amount of clean electricity that Ontario can generate, but it will add several hundred new jobs as well.
“Hydroelectric generating stations in Eastern Ontario have been providing the province with clean electricity for a century, and with today’s investment, we’re extending the life of these eight stations for decades more to help Ontario meet its growing electricity needs,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “This investment and expansion – part of our Powering Ontario’s Growth plan – will create 500 new good-paying jobs and ensure families in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario have access to affordable power now and into the future.”
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