Web site preparations have began for greater than $200 million in upgrades on the 118-year-old Kakabeka Falls energy station
The redevelopment of 1 of the oldest hydro-electric producing stations in Ontario will broaden its capability and prolong its life expectancy by 90 years.
Some website preparations have already been made at Kakabeka Falls, the place OntarIo Energy Technology is embarking on an entire overhaul of the 118-year-old energy plant, the second-oldest of OPG’s hydro stations.
“Building will start within the spring. They’re attempting to get as a lot of the positioning prep executed earlier than winter units in, after which they will be able to go,” spokesperson Neal Kelly mentioned Nov. 6.
The work, costing over $200 million, contains the development of an extension to the present powerhouse to deal with two trendy turbine-generating models to switch 4 current models, and the substitute of a surge tank that is used to handle abrupt adjustments in water stress.
The previous producing models and ancillary tools can be faraway from the present powerhouse, and 4 current penstocks, that carry water to the turbines from the Kam River above Kakabeka Falls, can be taken out and changed with two new ones.
Kelly mentioned the unique powerhouse will not be torn down however will stay as an area heritage constructing to deal with tools.
The Kakabeka Falls Producing Station, which at the moment produces as much as 24.4 megawatts of electrical energy – sufficient to energy 25,000 properties – will see its capability elevated by 13 per cent when the mission is completed in 2027.
Initially constructed by the Kaministiquia Energy Firm in 1906 to assist the Lakehead-area’s burgeoning flour-milling industries, the plant began with two models earlier than shortly increasing.
A 3rd unit was added in 1911, and a fourth unit three years later.
Ontario Hydro, the predecessor to OPG, bought the station in 1949.
“This necessary mission will assist preserve and construct on the legacy of Kakabeka Falls GS, which has supplied clear energy for Ontario for greater than a century,” mentioned Paul Seguin, OPG’s senior vice-president of renewable era.
“With trendy tools and elevated producing capability, the redeveloped station will assist OPG and Ontario meet net-zero objectives whereas supporting province-wide electrification.”
Fowl Building has a $100 million contract for its a part of the work which is being undertaken in a 50/50 three way partnership.
OPG has mentioned the mission may also generate financial advantages for native Indigenous communities, particularly for Fort William First Nation, in assist of its Reconciliation Motion Plan.
OPG additionally operates 10 different hydro stations throughout Northwestern Ontario.
