CANADA’S ONTARIO POWER Generation (OPG) has announced plans to increase the capacity of two existing hydro electric stations by 8.2MW. The additional capacity from the Healey Falls and McVittie stations will make use of excess water that is currently diverted around the stations and create enough power to supply about 3000 Ontario homes annually.
Power capacity at Healey Falls on the Trent river will increase by more than 50% to 17.7MW through installation of a fourth turbine and other modifications. A similar redevelopment programme is planned for the McVittie generating station, located on the Wanapitei river, about 40km south of Sudbury.
A third turbine will be installed to more than double the capacity of this facility to 4.2MW. Work on McVittie and Healey Falls should be completed by early 2004.
Both projects are subject to environmental regulation by a number of government departments and require several environmental permits. Environmental assessment work has begun and public consultation will be underway shortly.