Jul 29, 2026 • Last updated 17 hours ago •
Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce visited the site of the former Ontario Power Generation coal-fired generating station in Nanticoke, Ontario on Wednesday, July 29, to announce $500,000 in growth readiness funding to explore opportunities for new energy generation at the site. Photo by Brian Thompson /The Expositor
Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines was in Haldimand County on Wednesday to share news about the provincial government’s next steps toward creating new energy sources.
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During a press conference at the location of Ontario Power Generation’s former coal-fired generating station in Nanticoke, Stephen Lecce announced that the county will receive $500,000 from OPG’s growth readiness fund to look into possibilities for new energy generation at this site.
“Our government envisions generating power and jobs throughout Haldimand County by planning for new energy production that unlocks the region’s full potential,” Lecce stated. “To meet electricity demand expected to rise by as much as 90 percent by 2050, we are preparing now and building for future generations.”
The coal-fired generating station at Nanticoke was shut down in 2013 and demolished six years later. At its peak operation, it employed over 600 people and was once North America’s largest coal plant with a capacity of 4,000 megawatts.
Lecce criticized the previous government’s decision to tear down the old coal plant as “reckless,” especially considering how it affected workers who lost their jobs.
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“Today we commit to learning from past mistakes and making decisions that will bring long-term value and employment back to this area.”
The minister pointed out that hydrogen, natural gas, and small modular reactors (SMR) are likely suitable options for this site. Each option would have different implications regarding timelines, economic impact, types of energy produced, and emissions levels.
“Nuclear is emission-free; it’s clean power,” Lecce emphasized. “It isn’t just a short-term asset; an SMR is a long-lasting investment lasting around 65 years. This is truly a generational opportunity.”“When you consider this site-the existing permits already in place-it has port access nearby rail connections and significantly upgraded transmission infrastructure. This land is valuable; it shouldn’t be sitting idle without contributing positively.”
Existing permitting, transmission infrastructure, port access, and close proximity to rail service makes the site of Ontario Power Generation’s former coal-fired generating station at Nanticoke, Ontario a candidate for new energy generation. Photo by Brian Thompson /The Expositor
The specific type of generating facility planned for Nanticoke still needs to be decided.“That discussion will involve this community along with First Nations and OPG engaging in good faith dialogue,” said Lecce. “We’re here to provide funding support while fostering collaboration toward building together effectively. We need reliable baseload power here which can only be achieved through partnership.”
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Debera Mc Keen, Ward 1 councillor for Haldimand County, expressed her excitement about Wednesday’s announcement. She made history as OPG’s first female maintenance mechanic hired back in ’86, working at the Nanticoke facility until its closure after nearly three decades.
“This is an excellent opportunity for long-term employment. As the minister noted, these plants have lifespans stretching up to sixty-five years. You don’t often find companies offering stable well-paying jobs like that,” she remarked. “This facility has already been pre-approved for high-demand usage. We have substantial (transmission) lines capable of handling up to four thousand four hundred megawatts-something other parts of our province lack.”
“In essence, we’ve got something precious here that deserves attention; it needs revitalization for provincial use.”
According to a ministry press release, OPG began discussions with Indigenous leaders, community members, and municipal officials back in December twenty-twenty-four regarding their current sites including Wesleyville located within Port Hope, Nanticoke within Haldimand, and Lambton situated within St. Clair Township, to gauge local support surrounding various forms of new energy generation-including nuclear-to cater towards rising electricity demands across Ontario.
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In February twenty-twenty-six, O PG finalized a partnership agreement alongside Municipality Of Port Hope aimed towards promoting plans focused around constructing world’s largest nuclear-powered facility located specifically within Wesleyville district. This project could generate ten thousand five hundred job opportunities throughout province alongside bringing seventeen hundred fresh well-paying positions directly benefiting residents residing locally while yielding two hundred thirty-five billion dollars added economic contributions over its operational lifetime.
Solar panels , wind turbines , and transmission lines dot the landscape in Haldimand County where the provincial government is looking to build a new energy generating station at Nanticoke , once home to Ontario Power Generations ’ s coal-fired generating station before it was shuttered in two thousand thirteen and demolished six years later. Photo by Brian Thompson / The Expositor
Renee Van Kooten , president of Simcoe District Chamber Commerce mentioned how advancements within renewable sector could attract further industries while simultaneously supporting smaller businesses leading towards sustained economic growth.
“ This commitment represents true potential – creating quality jobs while strengthening supply chains plus establishing innovative partnerships across counties ” she stated. “ We view this as an opportunity enabling all-around development ultimately resulting better tomorrow us communities.”
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Existing permitting, transmission infrastructure, port access, and close proximity to rail service makes the site of Ontario Power Generation’s former coal-fired generating station at Nanticoke, Ontario a candidate for new energy generation. Photo by Brian Thompson /The Expositor
The specific type of generating facility planned for Nanticoke still needs to be decided.“That discussion will involve this community along with First Nations and OPG engaging in good faith dialogue,” said Lecce. “We’re here to provide funding support while fostering collaboration toward building together effectively. We need reliable baseload power here which can only be achieved through partnership.”
This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Debera Mc Keen, Ward 1 councillor for Haldimand County, expressed her excitement about Wednesday’s announcement. She made history as OPG’s first female maintenance mechanic hired back in ’86, working at the Nanticoke facility until its closure after nearly three decades.
“This is an excellent opportunity for long-term employment. As the minister noted, these plants have lifespans stretching up to sixty-five years. You don’t often find companies offering stable well-paying jobs like that,” she remarked. “This facility has already been pre-approved for high-demand usage. We have substantial (transmission) lines capable of handling up to four thousand four hundred megawatts-something other parts of our province lack.”
“In essence, we’ve got something precious here that deserves attention; it needs revitalization for provincial use.”
According to a ministry press release, OPG began discussions with Indigenous leaders, community members, and municipal officials back in December twenty-twenty-four regarding their current sites including Wesleyville located within Port Hope, Nanticoke within Haldimand, and Lambton situated within St. Clair Township, to gauge local support surrounding various forms of new energy generation-including nuclear-to cater towards rising electricity demands across Ontario.
This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.< /
In February twenty-twenty-six, O PG finalized a partnership agreement alongside Municipality Of Port Hope aimed towards promoting plans focused around constructing world’s largest nuclear-powered facility located specifically within Wesleyville district. This project could generate ten thousand five hundred job opportunities throughout province alongside bringing seventeen hundred fresh well-paying positions directly benefiting residents residing locally while yielding two hundred thirty-five billion dollars added economic contributions over its operational lifetime.[ ad_2 ]
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