GE Vernova, Ontario Power Generation to Refurbish Hydropower Plants in Niagara

OPG and GE Vernova formed a partnership to refurbish up to five hydropower plant stations, including up to 25 units at the Sir Adam Beck (SAB) Complex in Niagara Falls. The Ontario government is supporting OPG’s hydroelectric refurbishment plans through a $1 billion infrastructure program that would secure up to 1,700 MW of clean electricity—the equivalent of powering 1.7 million Canadian homes. The work at the SAB Complex will begin in 2025 and span the next 15 years, increasing the station’s capacity by up to 50 MW. OPG is also developing plans for its DeCew I and DeCew II generating stations in Niagara.

“Upgrading and optimizing OPG’s renewable generation workhorses like the Sir Adam Beck complex is crucial to support the growing demands of electrification and a thriving economy,” said Ken Hartwick, OPG President and CEO. “Through this refurbishment, this hydropower facility will build on its century-plus history, and continue to produce the low-cost, reliable electricity Ontarians need for decades to come.”

Sir Adam Beck Complex; Image Credits: Ontario Power Generation

Federal support will help to meet increased electrification demand and drive growth in the province. The investment in the hydroelectric fleet is part of the province’s Powering Ontario’s Growth plan, which highlights the actions taken within the province to meet energy demand and reduce emissions through the expansion of a reliable, clean grid.

“For more than 100 years, hydroelectric power from Niagara Falls has powered our province, and with today’s investment we’re extending the life of these stations by another 30 years to help Ontario meet its growing electricity needs,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Energy. “This refurbishment program – part of our Powering Ontario’s Growth Plan - will create jobs and ensure we have the power we need for the next major international investment, the new homes we are building and industries as they grow and electrify.”

In October of last year, GE Vernova’s Hydro Power business announced the signing of a memorandum of collaboration (MoC) with Ukrainian hydropower operator, Ukrhydroenergo. The MoC is structured as a two-year agreement for both companies to identify “build and restore” opportunities for Ukraine’s hydropower facilities. The MoC is targeting a new pumped storage plant in Kaniv (1 GW), the supply of 3 units of 324 MW to the Dniester power plant, and the reconstruction of the Kakhovka power plant (335 MW)—partially damaged during the war in Ukraine.

“GE Vernova’s collaboration with Ukrhydroenergo will expand upon our efforts to assist in rebuilding Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure to provide power and heating to civilians as fast as possible,” said Roger Martella, Vice President of GE Vernova Government Affairs and Sustainability. “It also allows for continued partnership on a long-term reconstruction plan focused on energy security and preparing for a low-carbon future.”

The Hydro Power business unit also upgraded one of six Kaplan turbines and generator units at the Qairokkum hydropower plant in Tajikistan. The upgrade increased the capacity of the 21 MW unit to 29 MW, and it is now connected to the grid. All five remaining units will have capacity increased from 21 MW to 29 MW, elevating the total capacity of the Kaplan-powered plant to 174 MW.