“This presents a tremendous opportunity for Ontario to add 21MW of renewable run-of-the river hydro power, with the potential to expand that to more than 40MW as we explore additional opportunities at this site, ” said Hydro Ottawa President and CEO Bryce Conrad.
“The Chaudière Falls generating stations have powered Ottawa’s industrial expansion for over a century,” said Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson. “What many people don’t know is that Canada’s oldest surviving hydroelectric facility still operates right here in the nation’s capital.”
Prior to the purchase, Hydro Ottawa already had over 100 years of experience operating hydroelectric plants at Chaudière Falls, where it owns and operates three plants, with generating station 2 originally built in 1891 and generating station 4 built in 1900. Both stations have been refurbished.
With the closing of the purchase of the three hydroelectric stations from Domtar, Hydro Ottawa’s hydroelectric generating capacity will more than double to 38MW, enabling the company to meet the annual needs of 28,000 households.
Another benefit of the acquisition is that the Chaudière Falls site is one of the largest remaining hydroelectric sites available in Ontario, with an expansion opportunity that could see Hydro Ottawa’s hydroelectric capacity growing further.
