Atikokan Generating Station operational with biomass fuel

Atikokan Generating Station Biomass marks Ontario's coal phase-out, using wood pellets to supply renewable peaking power, cleaner air, and grid reliability while cutting greenhouse gas emissions and supporting a sustainable energy economy.

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. The conversion to biomass 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 that includes biomass power will lead to a significant reduction in harmful emissions, cleaner air and a healthier environment.

The biomass for Atikokan 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 under a power purchase agreement 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 Ontario’s coal plants, such as the Lakeview Power Station facility, 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.

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