TORONTO — The Ontario government has directed Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to initiate discussions with Indigenous leaders, municipalities, and community stakeholders on potential new energy generation projects at three existing sites in Port Hope, Haldimand County, and St. Clair Township. The move aims to address the province’s surging electricity demand, projected to rise by 75% by 2050.
According to Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), this increase equates to adding the electricity needs of four-and-a-half cities the size of Toronto. While current projects, including Canada’s first small modular reactor and the largest competitive energy procurement in Ontario’s history, are expected to meet demands through 2035, an additional 16,000 megawatts (MW) of power will be required to sustain the province by mid-century.
Ontario Energy Powerhouse ⚡️
As energy demand soars — we’re delivering the largest electricity expansion in 30+ years, *without* raising taxes.
Ontario’s plan will bridge the supply gaps & keep energy affordable & reliable. pic.twitter.com/QvvQB7csaA
— Stephen Lecce (@Sflecce) November 28, 2024
“Our government is leading the largest expansion of electricity generation in more than thirty years,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “We’re working with communities to plan ahead and build for our future so that we can generate more power that is reliable and affordable for our families today and tomorrow.”
The proposed sites — Wesleyville in Port Hope, Nanticoke in Haldimand County, and Lambton in St. Clair Township — are already zoned for electricity generation, with access to transmission infrastructure and proximity to regions experiencing rapid growth.
Community-Centered Approach
The government emphasizes early engagement with local communities as a cornerstone of its plan. Key elements of this approach include:
- Offering equity participation opportunities for Indigenous communities in generation projects.
- Establishing a $50 million fund to support municipal infrastructure investments and attract co-located industries.
- Providing increased municipal property tax revenue from new generation facilities.
- Creating jobs and economic development through construction, operation, and supply chain activities.
Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, highlighted the potential for collaboration. “By working together with Ontario Power Generation, we are ensuring that First Nations communities are not just part of the conversation but active participants in shaping a prosperous, sustainable energy future,” said Rickford.
OPG President and CEO Ken Hartwick underscored the importance of community partnerships. “We look forward to meeting with municipalities and Nations to understand their perspectives and aspirations for their communities,” Hartwick said.
Ontario’s Affordable Energy Future
The proposed energy generation projects are part of the province’s broader strategy to address long-term electricity needs under its Affordable Energy Future plan. Key initiatives include:
- Developing Ontario’s first integrated energy plan to ensure coordinated use of electricity, natural gas, and other fuels.
- Advancing nuclear energy with pre-development work on the province’s first large-scale nuclear build in 30 years and small modular reactors at Darlington.
- Prioritizing new transmission lines to power job-creating industries, such as electric vehicle manufacturing and clean steel production.
- Expanding energy efficiency programs starting January 1, 2025, to help families and businesses reduce electricity use and costs.
With Ontario poised for significant economic and population growth, the government’s plan aims to secure reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy for decades to come.
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