Ontario Power Generation plans to refurb five Niagara hydro plants

Canada's Ontario Power Generation (OPG) will work with GE Vernova to refurbish its hydroelectric stations in the Niagara region, including the Sir Adam Beck Complex at Niagara Falls.

The partners will refurbish up to 25 units at the Sir Adam Beck Complex with the first phase of this work beginning in 2025.

The work at the complex will take place over the next 15 years and will increase the station's capacity by up to 50MW.

OPG operates four hydroelectric generation stations in the Niagara Region, Sir Adam Beck 1 and 2 and DeCew 1 and 2, and is currently developing plans for the DeCew I and DeCew II generating stations in the region.

This CAD$1 billion (US$730 million) hydroelectric refurbishment programme would secure up to 1,700MW of clean electricity and help meet increasing demand from electrification and fueling the province’s growth.

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"The modernisation of these power plants is expected to extend the life of the assets for over 30 years, and increase the generation of sustainable, reliable and affordable electricity," commented Frederic Ribieras, CEO of GE Vernova’s Hydro Power business.

This investment in Ontario’s hydroelectric fleet is part of the government's Powering Ontario’s Growth plan, which outlines the actions needed for province to meet growing energy demand and reduce emissions.

The plan will also see the advancement of nuclear power, renewables, energy storage and transmission infrastructure.

“For more than 100 years hydroelectric power from Niagara Falls has powered our province, and with today’s investment we’re extending the life of these stations by another 30 years to help Ontario meet its growing electricity needs,” said Todd Smith, Ontario's minister of energy.

“This refurbishment program – part of our Powering Ontario’s Growth Plan - will create jobs and ensure we have the power we need for the next major international investment, the new homes we are building and industries as they grow and electrify.”

“Upgrading and optimizing OPG’s renewable generation workhorses like the Sir Adam Beck complex is crucial to support the growing demands of electrification and a thriving economy,” said Ken Hartwick, OPG president and CEO.