Atikokan Generating Station operational with biomass fuel

subscribe

Ontario is now home to North America's largest power plant fueled completely by biomass. The Atikokan Generating Station conversion is complete and the station is now generating electricity and helping meet local power needs in northwestern Ontario.

Atikokan Generating Station, which employs 70 full-time workers, burned its last coal, two years ago, in September 2012. Conversion of the station began in mid-2012 and included construction of two silos and boiler modifications to accommodate the biomass. The project employed over 200 highly skilled trades people and technical workers.

A coal-free energy mix will lead to a significant reduction in harmful emissions, cleaner air and a healthier environment.

The biomass used to fuel Atikokan Generating Station is being harvested and processed in Ontario. Domestic suppliers have leveraged this opportunity to secure contracts to provide pellets to international buyers.

Providing clean, reliable and affordable power is part of the government's plan to invest in people, build modern infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate across Ontario.

Quick Facts

- Biomass is a sustainable fuel recognized across the world as a contributor to greenhouse gas reductions.

- Atikokan Generating Station will provide renewable peaking power, and can be turned on when electricity demands are highest.

- OPG has contracts in place with two companies in northwestern Ontario to supply the wood pellets. Rentech Inc. and Resolute Forest Products Canada will each supply 45,000 tonnes of wood pellets annually.

- The closure of OntarioÂ’s coal plants comes as the province moves toward implementing a smarter electricity grid, increasing efficiencies within the electricity system, introducing strong conservation efforts and committing to cleaner energy sources.

- Replacing coal-fired electricity generation is the single largest climate change initiative being undertaken in North America and when fully eliminated will be equivalent to taking up to seven million cars off the road.

Related News

Brand New Renewable Technology Harnesses Electricity From The Cold, Dark Night

LOS ANGELES - Two years ago, one freezing December night on a California rooftop, a tiny light shone weakly with a little help from the freezing night air. It wasn't a very bright glow. But it was enough to demonstrate the possibility of generating renewable power after the Sun goes down.

Working with Stanford University engineers Wei Li and Shanhui Fan, University of California Los Angeles materials scientist Aaswath Raman put together a device that produces a voltage by channelling the day's residual warmth into cooling air.

"Our work highlights the many remaining opportunities for energy by taking advantage of the cold…

READ MORE
UK wind power

Green energy could drive Covid-19 recovery with $100tn boost

READ MORE

rachel notley

The gloves are off - Alberta suspends electricity purchase talks with B.C.

READ MORE

Electricity Market Headed for a Reshuffle as Province Vows Overhaul

Electricity Market Headed for a Reshuffle as Province Vows Overhaul

READ MORE

BC Hydro rebate and B.C. Affordability Credit coming as David Eby sworn in as premier

READ MORE