Ontario Refurbishing Hydroelectric Station in Cornwall

CORNWALL – On Friday, March 10, 2024, Ontario Minister of Energy Todd Smith announced a $600-million infrastructure refurbishing program for the R.H. Saunders Generating Station in Cornwall. R.H. Saunders is the second-largest hydroelectric station in the province. This infrastructure program would invest more than $600 million to secure 1,045 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity, equivalent to powering over one million homes, helping to meet increasing demand from electrification and fueling the province's growth.

"The R.H. Saunders Generating Station – the second largest hydro facility in the province - has been providing Ontario with clean electricity since 1958, and with today's investment, we're extending the life of the station for decades more to help Ontario meet its growing electricity needs," said 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."

OPG will refurbish 16 units in total at the R.H. Saunders Generating Station. The refurbishment will include major rehabilitation of generating equipment through civil, electrical, and mechanical improvements that will see the station produce more electricity from less water. Once completed, the station is expected to produce up to 160 gigawatt hours of additional clean electricity each year, equivalent to powering over 19,000 homes.

The work at the R.H. Saunders Generating Station will take place over the next 16 years, creating more than 200 highly skilled and well-paid jobs in Cornwall.

MCA District Chief April Adams-Phillips stated, "Today we are brought together by a shared commitment to partnership and collaboration. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to our esteemed partners at OPG, whose support and dedication have been instrumental in bringing our partnership to this point. Together, we have the opportunity to exchange ideas, forge meaningful connections, and explore innovative solutions to the challenges we face. As we gather here, let us be inspired by the possibilities that lie before us. It is our hope that the ongoing work here at Saunders will provide employment and capacity building opportunities for Akwesasne

members. May this event be a catalyst for transformative change, and may our collective efforts pave the way for a better tomorrow."

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, including:

Nuclear Energy – Advancing reliable, affordable, and clean nuclear power through pre-development work at Bruce Power, four small modular reactors at Darlington and supporting OPG's plan for refurbishing the Pickering Nuclear Generation Station.

Competitive Procurements – Acquiring 4,000 MW of electricity generation and storage and launching more competitive procurements for non-emitting electricity resources including wind, solar, hydroelectric, batteries and biogas.

New Transmission Infrastructure – Designating and prioritizing transmission lines in Southwestern, Northeastern and Eastern Ontario that will power job creators including EV and EV battery manufacturing and clean steel production.

Keeping Costs Down – Launching new energy efficiency programs on January 1, 2025, building on the government's $342 million expansion of existing energy efficiency programs which are helping families and businesses reduce their electricity use so they can save money on their energy bills.

Cornwall's Mayor Towndale said, "The City of Cornwall welcomes the province's investment in the R.H. Saunders Generating Station. This refurbishment project will ensure that the facility is able to continue to provide clean energy for decades to come, while also creating hundreds of skilled jobs in our community."