Ontario Takes Next Step Toward New Energy Generation in Haldimand County
HALDIMAND COUNTY — As part of its plan to protect Ontario and build a stronger, self-reliant economy, the government is announcing that Haldimand County will receive $500,000 from Ontario Power Generation (OPG) in growth readiness funding to explore opportunities for new energy generation, including small modular reactors, at OPG’s Nanticoke site. With existing electricity zoning up to 3,000 megawatts, access to major transmission infrastructure, rail lines, port access and industrial land in one of Ontario’s fastest growing regions, the 900-acre Nanticoke site is uniquely positioned to help meet the province’s future electricity needs.
"Ontario has a plan to breathe new life into OPG's Nanticoke Generating Station site, after the former government shuttered this job creator,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Our government has a vision to generate power and jobs across Haldimand County by planning for new energy generation that fully unlocks the region's full potential. To meet electricity demand that is forecast to increase by as much as 90 per cent by 2050, we are planning ahead and building for future generations. We are taking another step forward to advance this project, in true partnership, including seriously considering small modular reactor deployment, to revitalize the economy and workforce."
Demand for electricity is forecast to increase by as much as 90 per cent by 2050, driven by rapid population growth, new housing, electrification, advanced manufacturing and the expansion of critical minerals supply chains. Meeting this demand will require significant expansion of Ontario's electricity system, including significant investments in all energy types. 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 competitiveness.
“This potential for new energy generation is exciting for the region and all of Ontario,” said Will Bouma, Member of Provincial Parliament for Brantford-Brant and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, to the Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, and to the Premier. “Working with Indigenous partners, municipalities and local stakeholders to further secure the future demand for energy is vital and Ontario continues to lead the way.”
The closure of the Nanticoke Generating Station, once the largest coal-fired power plant in North America, marked a defining moment in Ontario's energy history. Today, the government is committed to helping write the next chapter for the site by supporting new investment, creating good-paying local jobs and ensuring Nanticoke once again plays a vital role in powering Ontario’s economy.
Following active engagement with the Ontario government and OPG, the Council of Haldimand County unanimously passed a motion on December 16, 2024, endorsing continued engagement with the generator and Ministry of Energy and Mines on the potential for new energy generation, including nuclear power, at the Nanticoke site. OPG will continue working with the local municipality and First Nations communities to support engagement and to outline the additional potential benefits and opportunities to host new energy generation. This announcement unlocks the next step in the process to allow for the municipality and OPG to sign a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU), advancing work on the site.
New energy generation at the Nanticoke site could provide benefits for Haldimand County and surrounding communities, including opportunities for economic development and the creation of good-paying jobs, equity participation by Indigenous communities, additional host community funding to support infrastructure investments and attract co-located industry, and increased municipal property taxes related to the project.
“Haldimand County is proud to be part of the conversation about Ontario's energy future,” said Shelley Ann Bentley, Mayor of Haldimand County. “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.”
Advancing new generation opportunities at existing sites like Nanticoke plays a central role in Energy for Generations, the government’s first-ever integrated energy plan to ensure Ontario has the reliable, affordable power needed to support new homes, attract investment and drive economic growth. The government’s integrated approach and record investments in energy infrastructure are also providing the certainty needed for Indigenous communities, municipalities, businesses and industry partners to invest confidently in Ontario’s future. With a clear path forward, the plan is not only meeting the demands of today, but it is protecting jobs, supporting workers and powering economic growth for generations to come.
