TransCanada’s bid for the OGS was submitted in response to the Ontario Power Authority’s (OPA’s) Southwest Greater Toronto Area Request for Proposals. According to the OPA, the OGS will help meet energy and stability needs in the area.
The plant will provide the reliability required to support Ontario’s renewable energy electricity production such as wind and solar, and contribute toward replacing coal-fired generation, TransCanada said.
Hal Kvisle, CEO of TransCanada, said: “We look forward to providing additional electricity supply and reliability within this key North American market. This facility strengthens our presence as the largest private sector power company in Ontario and Canada. The Oakville generating station is a strong fit with our strategy of developing large scale energy infrastructure projects that will produce stable, long-term returns for our shareholders.”
Approximately 600 construction jobs will be created during the construction period of about 28 months. Additionally, approximately 25 permanent jobs will be created.
Next steps involve completing an environmental review report which will be made available for public review and comment in the fall. Emissions from OGS will meet or better all environmental regulatory standards.
TransCanada said that it must receive approval from the Ministry of the Environment on impacts such as air quality and noise before construction of the facility can proceed.
The OGS will be located on private, industrial land in the town of Oakville on Royal Windsor Drive, situated east of the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW). TransCanada will work with the OPA to finalize the contract by mid-October 2009.
