Ontario Exploring New Nuclear Energy Generation in Port Hope

Province engaging with municipality and Williams Treaties First Nations to produce affordable energy to meet soaring demand

The Ontario government has asked Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to explore opportunities for new nuclear energy generation at their Wesleyville site, following expressions of interest from the Municipality of Port Hope and the Williams Treaties First Nations (WTFNs). OPG will work with local communities to determine support as the province seeks to expand generation to meet the rising demand for electricity.

“With energy demand in Ontario set to increase by 75 per cent by 2050, we are doing the early engagement and development work now that will ensure the province has options to meet that growing demand,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “I’m excited to be continuing these conversations with Indigenous and municipal leaders to explore options for new nuclear generation at the Wesleyville site, including new good-paying jobs and other associated benefits.”

The Wesleyville site, which is maintained by OPG, located near existing transmission, road, and railway infrastructure, and already zoned for new electricity generation, is well-suited to support a large new nuclear site. Based on early assessments by OPG, this site could host up to 10,000 megawatts (MW) of new nuclear generation, which could power the equivalent of 10 million homes.

According to the Conference Board of Canada, a potential nuclear development in Port Hope would also contribute $235 billion to Ontario’s GDP over an estimated 95-year project life, which includes design, construction, operation, and maintenance. It would also support 10,500 jobs across Ontario, including 1,700 new good-paying jobs in Port Hope, representing an average 15 to 20 per cent boost to overall employment levels in the local area.

Following active engagement with community leaders by Minister Lecce and OPG, the Council of the Municipality of Port Hope unanimously passed a motion on December 17, 2024, endorsing continued engagement with OPG and the Ministry of Energy and Electrification on the potential for new energy generation at the Wesleyville Site.

To support continued engagement, the Ontario government announced that OPG will provide the WTFNs with capacity funding and an opportunity for equity participation in any generation project. The province also announced immediate funding of $1 million for the Municipality of Port Hope to support early growth readiness, assessment of planning and infrastructure requirements, and to meet consultation requirements. As part of a milestone-based process, leading toward the development of a Host Municipal Agreement, Port Hope could also access up to $30 million of funding for associated infrastructure investments and to attract co-located industries.

The potential nuclear build would also allow local communities to benefit from additional co-located industry and supply chain spending. The Municipality of Port Hope would also benefit from increased municipal property taxes from the station, which according to the Conference Board of Canada are estimated to be $10.5 million annually.

“Ontario needs more affordable and reliable energy to meet soaring demand, and I am excited to work with our municipal and Indigenous leaders to explore how we meet that challenge, while creating new jobs and opportunities right here in Port Hope,” said David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland-Peterborough South. “New energy generation represents an incredible opportunity for our region, and I am committed to working closely with Premier Ford and Minister Lecce to ensure our community is supported as this work advances – including immediate funding of $1 million for Port Hope.”

Developing options for new energy generation is just one part of Ontario’s Affordable Energy Future, the government’s vision as it plans for rising energy demand, which includes:

Energy Planning – Developing the province’s first integrated energy plan, including all energy resources, such as electricity, natural gas, and other fuels to ensure the province’s energy needs are met in a coordinated and long-term manner.
Nuclear Energy – Advancing clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear power through pre-development work at Bruce Power on the province’s first large-scale nuclear build in 30 years, four small modular reactors at Darlington and supporting OPG’s plan for refurbishing the Pickering Nuclear Generation Station.
New Transmission Infrastructure – Designating and prioritizing transmission lines in Southwestern, Northeastern and Eastern Ontario that will power job creation, including EV and EV battery manufacturing and clean steel production.
Keeping Costs Down – Launching new energy efficiency programs on January 1, 2025, which build on the government’s $342 million expansion of existing energy efficiency programs which are helping families and businesses reduce their electricity usage and save money on their energy bills.
Additional Competitive Procurements – Launching the largest competitive procurement of clean energy resources in the province’s history in addition to successfully re-contracting existing capacity resources at about a 30 per cent discount.