Ontario Power Generation winds up $2.6bn hydropower project development in Canada

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has completed construction of the $2.6bn Lower Mattagami hydroelectric project in Ontario, Canada.

The project chiefly involved upgrade works to the company’s four pre-existing hydro power stations located along the Lower Mattagami River.

OPG had formed a partnership deal with Moose Cree First Nation in 2009, according to which its Chief and Council co-ordinated with OPG for the project, from its approvals to completion.

OPG’s four stations, Little Long, Smoky Falls, Harmon, and Kipling,which were upgraded are located around 70km northeast of Kapuskasing and almost 150km upstream of Moose Factory and Moosonee.

Power generation capacity of the Smoky Falls facility, which had been initially set up in 1931, was raised to 267MW from 52MW.

Similarly, at present, Little Long, Harmon and Kipling stations also have increased capacities of 205MW, 220MW, 232MW, respectively.

According to the Amisk-oo-Skow agreement, the Moose Cree First Nation will retain a 25% stake in the Lower Mattagami project.

Ontario Minister of Energy Bob Chiarelli said: "The Lower Mattagami Project will deliver long-term results for our electricity system while providing clean, reliable and affordable electricity for Ontarians."