- Ontario plans to boost electricity capacity by 111 terawatt-hours (TWh) by 2050 to meet a projected 75% increase in demand, focusing on nuclear, hydropower, and natural gas investments.
- The province will construct four small modular reactors at the Darlington nuclear plant and invest C$1.6 billion to extend the lifespan of its hydropower fleet while exporting energy to US markets.
Ontario has outlined an ambitious strategy to handle a 75% increase in electricity demand by 2050, driven by the rise of data centres and electric vehicles. Energy Minister Stephen Lecce shared the province’s plan to increase energy capacity through nuclear, hydropower, and natural gas investments.
The province plans to add 111 terawatt-hours (TWh) of new energy. This includes building four small modular reactors (SMRs) at the Darlington nuclear plant, which will deliver 1,200 MW of new power alongside its existing 1,756 MW capacity.
Ontario Power Generation will continue operating units 5 through 8 at the Pickering nuclear plant until 2026, ensuring a steady energy supply during the transition.
The country will allocate C$1.6 billion to extend the lifespan of its hydropower fleet. This investment strengthens the grid by ensuring reliable base power. While nuclear and hydropower will anchor the province’s strategy, natural gas, which currently provides 40% of Ontario’s energy, will remain critical for balancing peak demand.
Ontario, an energy exporter since 2006, seeks to expand exports to US markets, focusing on states like New York, Maryland, and Illinois, which are committed to clean energy. The government plans to increase generation and transmission capabilities to tap into these markets.
Minister Lecce aims to position Ontario as an “energy superpower.” By 2025, the province will release an integrated resource plan to address domestic energy needs while maximising export opportunities.
This strategy reinforces Ontario’s commitment to sustainable growth and leadership in the North American energy market.