New life could be breathed into the site of the former Lambton Generating Station.
The Ontario government has listed the St Clair Township site along with other Ontario Power Generation properties in Port Hope and Haldimand County as potential sites for new energy generation, including nuclear, to meet Ontario’s soaring demand for electricity.
The coal-powered Lambton Generating Station was shut down in 2013 and officially decommissioned in 2017. Demolition of the buildings and smokestacks was completed in 2022.
According to the Independent Electricity System Operator, the province’s demand for electricity is forecast to increase by 75 per cent by 2050.
Officials say the OPG sites are already zoned for electricity generation, have proximity to transmission, and are located within regions experiencing significant growth.
The province plans to launch community consultations, including First Nations communities. Officials say those conversations will tout potential benefits, including the creating of a new fund with up to $50 million for host communities, as well as job creation and other economic development benefits.
“OPG places great importance on ensuring strong relationships and partnerships with our potential host communities, neighbours, and Indigenous Nations on whose traditional territory we operate,” said Ken Hartwick, OPG President and CEO in a news release. “Our strong record of safely building and operating generating facilities, including nuclear, will continue into any new generation opportunities OPG may pursue.”