A task force in northwestern Ontario has warned that the region's growing mining sector will require a significant increase in power generation and transmission capacity to meet demand. The task force recommends several measures, including scaling up existing biomass facilities, constructing new biomass power plants, and expanding transmission lines.
More power is needed in northwestern Ontario if the region is to meet the demands brought on by what a task force calls 'unprecedented growth' in its mining sector. The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association's (NOMA) Northwest Energy Task Force said there are currently 41 major exploration projects in the region, with 37 of those aiming to be operational by 2033.
'We wanted to identify the results of our research, which indicates that we have two areas that need new transmission facilities, and that the entire area needs additional generation, if we're to meet the demand created by a multitude of new mines that are working their way through to operation,' said Iain Angus, co-chair of the task force. 'We're gonna need about 250 megawatts of additional generation.' The research was revealed at a news release on Thursday morning. There, the task force showed the results of an area-by-area analysis of power needs in northwestern Ontario. The analysis shows the area north of Nipigon, which includes mines in the Greenstone, Beardmore and the Lake Nipigon areas, and the Ring of Fire, will require another 175 megawatts to power them all. The North Shore of Lake Superior will need a further 57 megawatts, and the Ear Falls/Red Lake area another 123 megawatts in generation.There are various options to meet those requirements, Angus said. The Atikokan Generating Station and Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper mill, which both provide power through biomass, can scale up, for instance. 'That's the easy one,' Angus said. 'As long as they get a 10-year (power purchase agreement with the Ontario Energy Board) they'll do the investment that they need.' 'There are other opportunities throughout the region,' he said. 'We're only using part of our forest, but the part that we're using in terms of logging, between 30 and 40 per cent of what's cut can be used for biomass.' 'So it makes sense to develop a number of new biomass generation facilities throughout the region and create jobs, boost the economy of the smaller communities and make life a lot easier for a lot of people.' Another advantage of biomass, Angus said, is it takes about two-and-a-half years to construct a facility, whereas 'transmission, on the other hand, takes about seven years when you go through all the regulatory process and route selection, environmental assessment, things like that.'In addition to new biomass facilities, the task force is recommending: doubling the size of the second state of the Wassigan transmission line, and extending it to Red Lake; doubling the size of the Watay Power Line from Dinorwic to Pickle Lake, and expanding the section of the line that runs from Red Lake to the Frontier Lithium Mine; routing the first phase of the bulk transmission line running to the Ring of Fire through Geraldton, and upgrading the transmission system west of Thunder Bay to not only power under-development mines, but also stabilize the existing distribution system.'We did a study a number of years ago that said when a mine is halfway through its feasibility study, you have to start building this transmission line,' Angus said. 'But you can't, because you don't have the proof that you're going to go ahead. So it's a chicken and egg kind of thing.' 'We feel strongly that if we invest in the transmission lines now, they will be there for the mines when they're ready and that'll be an incentive for the mines to actually happen,' he said. 'Without the transmission lines, the mining comes just say, 'why? Why should I invest there if they're not prepared to provide power?
POWER GENERATION TRANSMISSION LINES MINING NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO BIOMASS ENERGY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Arctic Blast to Grip Northwestern Ontario, Potentially Triggering Extreme Cold WarningsA prolonged and intense cold spell is expected to hit Northwestern Ontario, with Environment Canada predicting temperatures as low as -30 Celsius and wind chills potentially reaching -40 Celsius. This could lead to an extreme cold warning for Thunder Bay and surrounding areas. Residents are urged to dress warmly in layers and take precautions to protect themselves from the extreme cold.
Read more »
Snowfall Warning Issued for Northwestern OntarioEnvironment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for parts of northwestern Ontario as a storm system moves into the region from Manitoba. Heavy snow is expected overnight into Friday morning, with total accumulations of 15 to 20 centimeters anticipated. The OPP has issued a reminder about safe driving practices near snow plows.
Read more »
Arctic Air Brings Extreme Cold to Northwestern OntarioNorthwestern Ontario is experiencing frigid temperatures, with readings approaching -40°C. The cold snap, attributed to a cold front and Arctic air flow, is expected to persist until at least Tuesday. Environment Canada has issued extreme cold warnings, urging residents to take precautions against frostbite and hypothermia.
Read more »
Extreme Cold Grips Northwestern Ontario, Warnings Issued and Services ExtendedEnvironment Canada has issued extreme cold weather warnings for most of northwestern Ontario as temperatures plummet towards -40 C. The frigid conditions, caused by a combination of a cold front and Arctic air, are expected to last until at least Tuesday. The warnings highlight the dangers of cold exposure, urging people to be aware of symptoms and take precautions to protect themselves and their pets. Student transportation has also been affected, with bus cancellations and delays reported in several communities.
Read more »
Three people killed in Highway 17 collision near Ignace in northwestern OntarioA photo posted to the Skilled Truckers Canada Facebook page appears to show a collision between two transport trucks.
Read more »
Ontario Needs Reform Of Taxation, Fees On Housing DevelopmentRichard Lyall is president of RESCON, the Residential Construction Council of Ontario. He has represented Ontario's building industry since 1991. To contact him, reach out to mediarescon.com.
Read more »