Ontario Power Generation (OPG) says it intends to invest $2 billion in the refurbishment and expansion of hydroelectric generating stations across Northern Ontario.

The work will secure up to 830 megawatts of clean electricity generation, equivalent to powering 830,000 homes, and helping to meet increasing demand from electrification.

“Hydroelectric generating stations across Northern Ontario have been providing the province with clean electricity for over a century, and with today’s investment, we’re extending the life of these stations for decades more to help Ontario meet its growing electricity needs,” said Energy Minister Stephen Lecce.

According to Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator, electricity demand in Northern Ontario is forecast to increase by 81 percent by 2050.

To ensure it can meet this demand, OPG and its partner, Andritz Hydropower Canada, will refurbish and expand stations across Northern Ontario including: Otter Rapids, Kipling, Aguasabon, Abitibi Canyon, Manitou Falls, Cameron Falls, Ear Falls and Alexander.

The work includes major rehabilitation of existing generating equipment that will maintain reliable and efficient operations and increase production. Once completed, the stations are expected to produce up to 40 MW of additional clean electricity each year, equivalent to powering over 40,000 more homes.

“Thunder Bay and our province are growing quickly, and we will need more power to support new homes, new investments and new infrastructure,” said MPP Kevin Holland.

The work at these stations will take place over the next 10 years and create more than 1,000 jobs.

Across its entire fleet, the province and Ontario Power Generation are investing a total of $4.6 billion in Northern Ontario, Niagara Region, Cornwall and Eastern Ontario to refurbish and expand existing stations, to secure more than 5,000 MW of clean electricity and support 1,900 good paying jobs.

“Many of the hydroelectric facilities OPG is refurbishing today were developed as a result of visionary thinking a century or more ago,” said Nick Pender, OPG Senior Vice President – Renewable Generation. “Through investments like this, OPG and the Province are securing low-carbon, reliable electricity generation that Ontarians will need for generations to come.”

Hydroelectricity provides approximately 25 percent of Ontario’s electricity.