Ontario Refurbishing Hydroelectric Stations in Niagara

Niagara Falls – The Ontario government is supporting Ontario Power Generation’s plan to refurbish its hydroelectric stations in Niagara, including the Sir Adam Beck Complex at Niagara Falls. This $1 billion dollar infrastructure program would secure up to 1,700 megawatts of clean electricity, equivalent to powering 1.7 million homes, helping to meet increasing demand from electrification and fueling the province’s growth.

“Niagara has a long legacy of generating clean hydroelectric power at the crown jewels of the province, the Sir Adam Beck Complex in Niagara Falls and DeCew Generating Stations in St. Catharines,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

“With the highest output in over forty years, generating critical power twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, today’s significant investment at the Sir Adam Beck Complex will help secure a safe and reliable supply of clean energy for years to come.”

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

Ontario Power Generation and its partner, GE Vernova, will refurbish up to twenty-five units in total at the Sir Adam Beck Complex as the first phase of this work beginning in 2025, increasing the stations capacity by up to 50 MW. Ontario Power Generation is also developing future plans for the DeCew Generating Stations in the region.

“Upgrading and optimizing Ontario Power Generation’s renewable generation workhorses like the Sir Adam Beck Complex is crucial in supporting the growing demands of electrification and a thriving economy,” said Ken Hartwick, President and CEO of Ontario Power Generation.

“Through this refurbishment, this hydropower facility will build on its century-plus history, and continue to produce the low-cost, reliable electricity Ontarians need for decades to come.”

The work at the Sir Adam Beck Complex will take place over the next fifteen years, creating more than 200 highly skilled and well-paid jobs in Niagara.

“Ontario is blessed with a diverse supply of clean energy sources. Through this historic investment in the Sir Adam Beck Complex, we are able to keep costs down for families while funding more reliable sources of energy,” said Hon. Andrea Khanjin, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

“This investment will ensure a future of clean, reliable and affordable power in the province for generations to come.”

This investment in Ontario’s hydroelectric fleet is just one part of Powering Ontario’s Growth, the government’s pragmatic plan which outlines the actions the province is taking to meet growing energy demand and reduce emissions by expanding Ontario’s reliable, affordable and clean grid.