To help manage Ontario’s increasing power demands, the province is scouting other sites across the province that could be developed into generating facilities; it’s considering large nuclear electricity generation plants among others. “We need to plan ahead beyond 2035,” the minister emphasized.
Lecce noted that the economy of the province is witnessing a profound shift. “We are attracting historic investments in sectors like electric vehicle and battery production, life sciences, and manufacturing, while electrifying industries such as steel production.” But he also said that it has its challenges, and it’s the biggest one: “Meeting surging electricity demand while ensuring that the energy system remains reliable, affordable, and future-ready.”
The Independent Electricity System Operator forecasts that Ontario’s electricity demand will increase by 75 percent in 2050, and therefore, the need for more generation capacity arises. Lecce named three sites owned by Ontario Power Generation (OPG) as the potential candidates for new electricity generation projects: Nanticoke in Haldimand County, Lambton in St. Clair, and Wesleyville in Port Hope.
These sites are former coal-fired power plants and are already zoned for energy generation.
Lecce has tasked OPG with initiating consultations with local municipalities and First Nations communities regarding the development of new energy projects at these sites. These discussions will explore a variety of electricity generation options, including nuclear and natural gas plants. “Early community involvement is a critical part of our approach,” Lecce explained, noting that large energy projects can take many years to develop. The government should thus work in close partnership with local communities from the start to ensure mutual benefits.
This is clear in Ontario’s plans to extend the life of the Pickering nuclear plant by two years and to explore further refurbishment options. . Besides, the province is evaluating the possibility of building a new, large nuclear plant at the Bruce Power site and considering the development of four small modular reactors.
However, the Green Party’s head, Mike Schreiner said that government’s step was irresponsible due to over engrossment towards nuclear power instead of setting up an affordable, emission-free, and competitive procurement procedure for electricity.
“Nuclear power is a higher-cost option than alternatives such as wind, solar, and storage,” Schreiner declared.
