$1 billion deal to refurbish hydroelectric stations in Canada’s Niagara region

GE Vernova has announced it will work with Ontario Power Generation to refurbish up to 25 hydroelectric stations in the Niagara region. The project builds on a century-long relationship between the company and OPG to advance energy transition in Ontario and in Canada more widely and will enable the stations to supply reliable, affordable and clean power for an additional 30 years.

Securing clean energy

Announced during an event at the iconic Niagara Falls, OPG and GE Vernova will refurbish up to 25 units in total, increasing capacity by up to 50MW. The first phase of work will begin in 2025 with the Sir Adam Beck Complex, at Niagara Falls.

The $1 billion dollar infrastructure programme is designed to secure up to 1,700 MW of clean electricity, equivalent to powering 1.7 million homes, thereby helping to meet increasing demand from electrification and fueling growth in the province.

Extending lifespan

Frederic Ribieras, CEO of GE Vernova’s Hydro Power business, said the agreement confirmed a “new dynamic in the hydropower industry marked by closer and longer-term collaboration to secure the supply chain and increase the productivity of the projects”. He added: “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.”

OPG operates four hydroelectric generation stations in the Niagara Region; Sir Adam Beck 1 and 2, and DeCew 1 and 2.

Harnessing natural power

Ontario's Minster of Energy, Todd Smith, said hydroelectric power from Niagara Falls had powered the province for more than 100 years. “This refurbishment programme - 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.”

The Ontario grid is one of the cleanest in the world with a diverse supply mix comprising nuclear, hydroelectric, renewables, natural gas, and biomass.

Employment creation

Work at Sir Adam Beck complex will happen over the next 15 years, creating more than 200 highly skilled and well-paid jobs.

Ken Hartwick, OPG President and CEO, said upgrading and optimising “renewable generation workhorses” like Sir Adam Beck was crucial to support the growing demands of electrification and a thriving economy”. He added: “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.”

Investment in Ontario’s hydroelectric fleet is one part of the government’s Powering Ontario’s Growth plan which outlines actions the province is taking to meet growing energy demand and reduce emissions, namely by expanding its reliable, affordable and clean grid, including nuclear energy, competitive procurements, and new transmission infrastructure.