Ontario Construction News staff writer
Haldimand County will receive $500,000 from Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to explore options for new electricity generation at the former Nanticoke Generating Station site, including the potential use of small modular reactors.
Funding will support the next stage of work examining the 900-acre site’s potential to accommodate new energy generation and help meet Ontario’s growing electricity needs.
Nanticoke is already zoned for up to 3,000 megawatts of electricity generation and has access to major transmission infrastructure, rail lines, port facilities and industrial land.
The site’s location in one of Ontario’s fastest-growing regions could make it a strategic location for new generation as electricity demand is projected to increase by as much as 90 per cent by 2050.
The increase is expected to be driven by population growth, new housing, electrification, advanced manufacturing and the expansion of critical minerals supply chains.
“Exploring new energy generation at the site has the potential to create good-paying local jobs, support economic development, and provide opportunities for meaningful Indigenous participation and partnership,” said George Christidis, president and CEO of the Canadian Nuclear Association.
The Nanticoke Generating Station was once the largest coal-fired power plant in North America before its closure marked a major shift in Ontario’s electricity system.
The province now sees the site as a potential location for new investment and electricity generation as it works to expand its power supply.
Haldimand County council unanimously passed a motion in December 2024 endorsing continued discussions with OPG and the Ministry of Energy and Mines about potential new generation at Nanticoke, including nuclear power.
The $500,000 announcement will allow the county and OPG to move ahead with a formal memorandum of understanding, which will advance further work at the site.
OPG will continue working with Haldimand County and First Nations communities on engagement and on identifying potential benefits and opportunities associated with hosting new energy generation.
“Haldimand County is proud to be part of the conversation about Ontario’s energy future,” said Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley. “For our community, opportunities like this are about more than energy generation. They are about supporting economic growth, creating opportunities for future generations, and helping build a prosperous and sustainable future for Haldimand County and surrounding communities.”
The Nanticoke site is one of three OPG properties in Southern Ontario that are already zoned for electricity generation and have proximity to major transmission infrastructure. The other sites are Wesleyville in Port Hope and Lambton in St. Clair.
The work is part of Ontario’s Energy for Generations integrated energy plan, which is aimed at ensuring the province has sufficient reliable and affordable electricity to support population growth, new housing and economic development.
The Association of Power Producers of Ontario (APPrO) also welcomed the continued discussions between Haldimand County, OPG and the provincial government.
“With existing electricity zoning, access to major transmission infrastructure, and a location in one of Ontario’s fastest growing regions, the Nanticoke site is uniquely positioned to help meet the province’s future electricity needs,” said Colin Anderson, president and CEO of APPrO.
“Building new generation today is essential to ensuring Ontario has the affordable, reliable and clean electricity needed to power economic growth, attract investment, and protect the province’s long-term energy security.”
