OPG is expected to close two of eight units at its Nanticoke station near Simcoe and two of four units at its Lambton plant near Sarnia by October 2010. Together these plants represent 2,000MW of generation capacity. According to OPG, coal-fired power generation contributes to air pollution, that has a negative impact on the health of Ontarians.
Since 2003, around 7,000MW of new and refurbished generation have come online, including approximately 3,700MW of new natural gas fired plants and around 1,200MW of renewable energy.
OPG said that it would continue to convert its remaining 11 units to other types of fuel such as biomass, a renewable fuel source. This would provide Ontario with renewable energy and an alternate use for existing coal plants.
OPG would initially focus on Atikokan Generating Station for converting to biomass by the target year of 2012.
